The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election, with over 2.8 million registered voters expected to participate. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, made this known during a strategy meeting with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Agwu revealed that about 140,907 newly registered voters are expected to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the end of the week, while 978 backup Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been prepared for deployment across 5,720 polling units in the state. She explained that every ballot paper and result sheet is specific to each polling unit to prevent any misuse or manipulation, saying, “All our ballot papers and result sheets are polling unit–specific, meaning that materials designated for one location cannot be used in another.”
According to the REC, all BVAS devices have been fully charged and secured ahead of the poll. She noted that sensitive materials would be distributed under tight supervision and strict documentation at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “Some of the materials are already in our custody. My store officer locked the warehouse, and I added my own lock. That room cannot be accessed unless you bring down the building,” Agwu said, emphasizing INEC’s commitment to security and transparency.
She further disclosed that security operatives across Anambra’s three senatorial districts have undergone comprehensive training in preparation for the election. Sixteen political parties and their candidates will contest the governorship seat, with their names and running mates already published across all 21 local government areas as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
Agwu reaffirmed her neutrality, stressing that she has never been influenced or pressured by any political figure since assuming office. “No one has ever asked me to support any candidate. I am here to serve Nigeria with honesty and fairness. I pray daily that God gives me the courage to remain steadfast,” she said. While acknowledging challenges such as logistics, funding, and security issues, she expressed confidence that INEC has put measures in place to address them. “There are challenges, but we have strategies to overcome them. We are working tirelessly, and God is helping us. The people of Anambra can go to the polls without fear,” she assured.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ekulu Remijius, who represented the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, also gave assurances that security agencies are fully prepared to safeguard the entire electoral process. He disclosed that detailed simulations had been carried out and that the state would be heavily secured to ensure a peaceful exercise. “We have conducted our simulations and they are top-notch. Although off-cycle elections present unique challenges, the state will be adequately secured to prevent any form of disturbance,” he said.
Remijius explained that a show of force would be conducted on the eve of the election, with security operatives already identifying potential flashpoints for preemptive action. He noted that all roads would be closed on election eve, and only accredited individuals would be permitted to move around. “Military personnel will secure boundary communities to prevent infiltration, while police formations will guard collation centres to ensure a smooth and credible process,” he added.
The Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mr. Y. Z. Ya’u, commended INEC for its proactive engagement with civil society groups, noting that such collaboration is vital to building public confidence in the electoral process. He stressed that credible elections remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and urged all stakeholders to work together for a peaceful and transparent outcome.
The November 8 Anambra governorship election is expected to serve as a major test for INEC, especially in the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), following mixed experiences during the 2023 general elections. Coming at a time of heightened political and security tension in the South-East, the exercise will be closely watched both locally and internationally as a measure of Nigeria’s progress in electoral transparency and democratic consolidation.