The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a credible and transparent governorship election in Anambra State scheduled for November 8, pledging to safeguard all sensitive election materials and ensure a smooth voting process.
Speaking at a dialogue session with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja on Tuesday, the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, assured that INEC was fully prepared for the exercise. “We will guard all the sensitive materials like we guard our lives,” she declared, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
At the strategy meeting, which was convened by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC), the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ekulu Remijius, alongside civil society groups and election stakeholders.
Dr. Agwu disclosed that about 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election, with an additional 140,907 newly registered voters set to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the end of the week. She also confirmed that 978 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines had been fully charged and reserved for use across 5,720 polling units in the state.
“All ballot papers and result sheets are polling unit-specific,” she explained. “You cannot use materials meant for one polling unit in another. We will open polls at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., but anyone already on the queue before closing time will still be allowed to vote, even if the process extends till 6 p.m.”
The REC outlined strict procedures for handling sensitive materials, noting that all items would be distributed under close supervision from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “When the Election Officer collects materials from me at the CBN, he must sign for everything received. At the local government level, he will also document what he distributes,” she said, adding that security measures had been intensified to prevent tampering.
Dr. Agwu also lamented voter apathy, criticizing citizens who choose to stay home or engage in other activities on election day. “Some people will rather go to the market or football field instead of voting,” she said. “Claims that votes do not count are mere frivolous assertions. Come out and vote first. Our role as INEC is to serve as the referee.”
On security, ACP Remijius assured that the police and other security agencies were fully prepared to maintain order throughout the election period. “We have done all our simulations and they are top-notch,” he said. “On the eve of the election, all major roads will be blocked, and only accredited personnel with proper identification will be allowed to move.”
He disclosed that security operations would include a statewide “show of force” on November 7 to deter potential troublemakers, along with raids on known blackspots and surveillance around correctional centers to prevent jailbreaks. “The military will also secure boundary communities to prevent infiltration, while all security formations will converge at the collation centers after voting to ensure a fortified process,” he added.
The Convener of the Situation Room, Mr. Y. Z. Ya’u, explained that the session was organized to provide civil society organizations with an opportunity to engage INEC directly on its level of preparedness for the upcoming poll. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among election stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process in Anambra State.
