The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, will be conducted in 5,718 out of the 5,720 polling units across the state.
According to the Commission, two polling units will be excluded from the exercise because they currently have no registered voters.
Disclosing this during a readiness assessment visit by a delegation from INEC headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, the National Commissioner supervising Anambra State and Chairman of INEC’s Tenders Board Committee, said the Commission has attained 99 percent operational preparedness for the election.
“We came all the way from Abuja to conduct what is called a readiness assessment for the gubernatorial election. We held meetings with critical stakeholders, monitored the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the state, and we are satisfied with the level of preparedness. We are ready for the election,” Ikeagu stated.
Addressing concerns about areas previously affected by insecurity, Ikeagu assured that elections will take place in all polling units in Ihiala Local Government Area.
“Security agencies have successfully recovered and stabilised areas that were once threatened by insecurity. However, where challenges persist, INEC has contingency arrangements, including the use of local government area collation centers, as was done during recent bye-elections, to ensure that every eligible voter can cast his ballot,” he explained.
INEC, he said, will deploy about 24,000 ad-hoc personnel across Anambra State to ensure the smooth conduct of the election.
On logistics, Ikeagu confirmed that non-sensitive materials had already been distributed to INEC offices across the state, while sensitive materials would arrive 24 hours before the election.
“We have signed Memoranda of Understanding with transport unions and vehicle owners to ensure the timely and secure movement of election materials. They will receive 50 percent of their payment before deployment and the balance after the election,” he added.
He further disclosed that boats have been arranged for the movement of materials and personnel in riverine areas, while accreditation is expected to begin by 8:30 a.m., with INEC officials arriving at polling units by 7:00 a.m.
On security, Ikeagu said the Commission had held several meetings with heads of security agencies, who assured of adequate deployment across the state. Officers from neighbouring states, he said, will also be mobilised to reinforce coverage.
“I commend Ndi Anambra for the maturity and calm they have displayed so far. Security is everybody’s business, not just that of the police. Let us all work together to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” he appealed.
Ikeagu revealed that the mock accreditation exercise conducted on Saturday was successful, with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioning efficiently.
“The BVAS performed optimally during the mock accreditation; the process took less than a minute per voter. This gives us confidence ahead of the main election,” he noted.
He also urged registered voters to collect their PVCs before the election, warning that INEC would not allow collection by proxy.
“The election is a shared responsibility. Every voter must take it seriously by collecting his PVC. After the election, uncollected PVCs will remain available at the local government offices, as they are the property of the individual voter,” he concluded.
