Chinedum Elekwachi
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday said it has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2025.
The Commission also said it has fine-tuned deployment arrangements for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka.
Speaking at the International Conference Centre in Awka during the signing of Peace Accord for the Governorship Off-Cycle Election by National Peace Committee (NPC), INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to combat vote-buying.
He warned that individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people would be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.
“The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust security measures for this election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other agencies.
“Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics. Enhanced result management processes will also be evident,” he revealed.
INEC is ready
While reassuring the commission’s preparedness to deliver on its mandate, Amupitan urged political parties, candidates and supporters to adhere to the principles of the peace accord.
He added, “As the election management body, I want to reassure all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices, and the very principles enshrined in the Peace Accord we are about to endorse.
“However, let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.
“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.
“Therefore, as you append your signatures today, please ensure the message cascades to your supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections.
“By signing this Peace Accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but we are also sending a strong message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails.
“Each one of us has a part to play in this process, and I urge all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to the principles of this accord.
Working together
“Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra State is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.
“For our part, the Commission has taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state.
“With the Peace Accord being signed today, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the valuable contributions of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society,
the media, and other stakeholders, we are confident, by God’s grace, that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful and successful.”
Appreciating NPC for its unwavering commitment to fostering peaceful elections in Nigeria, INEC boss expressed confidence that its efforts in convening stakeholders around shared vision of peace would continue to make immeasurable difference to nation’s democracy.
