INEC DECLARES ANAMBRA 99% READY FOR NOVEMBER 8 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
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BY MUNIRAT BALOGUN
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, declaring the state “99% ready” following a weeklong readiness assessment across all 21 local government areas.
A high-level delegation from INEC headquarters in Abuja, led by the National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, concluded the comprehensive readiness tour over the weekend. The visit involved inspection of facilities, interactions with stakeholders, and reviews of field operations to ensure seamless conduct of the forthcoming poll.
The delegation, which also included National Commissioners Sam Olumekun, mni, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, and Dr. Baba Bila, arrived in Awka on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and immediately commenced meetings with the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and the State Management Team. Their mission was to ensure that all logistical, security, and operational elements required for the election were in place and functioning efficiently.
During field visits to several local government areas, including Dunukofia and Oyi, the delegation inspected batching and deployment of non-sensitive materials and monitored the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at registration centres. Interacting with voters, Prof. Gumus commended their patience and cooperation, assuring that the process was designed to be inclusive and efficient, with no eligible voter left behind.
The delegation also met with the 21 Electoral Officers responsible for managing the election at the local government level. Discussions focused on logistics, early activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs), and timely deployment of election personnel and materials. Dr. Ukeagu underscored the need for accountability and thorough documentation, stressing that every ballot, vehicle, and form must be properly tracked and returned after use.
Dr. Baba Bila, Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, reminded officers that delegated authority comes with responsibility and urged them to discharge their duties with integrity. Similarly, Mr. Sam Olumekun, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, encouraged officials to maintain transparency and professionalism throughout the exercise.
As part of its logistics coordination, the INEC team met with leaders of major transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). The meeting reaffirmed INEC’s collaboration with the unions under an existing Memorandum of Understanding for election-day logistics. Dr. Ukeagu warned against any breach of the agreement, insisting that while payments would be prompt, accountability must be total and sabotage would not be tolerated.
The readiness mission also featured a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), where heads of security agencies presented updates on security deployment and flashpoint monitoring. Representatives of the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military pledged coordinated patrols and intensified surveillance before, during, and after the election to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Agwu commended the synergy among security agencies, describing it as the foundation for a credible election. She said the collaboration among stakeholders has created confidence that materials, personnel, and voters will move freely and safely on election day.
The tour concluded with monitoring of the mock accreditation exercise in Anambra East, where the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was tested. The devices performed efficiently, confirming their readiness for large-scale deployment. Dr. Ukeagu, satisfied with the outcome, declared the Commission “99% ready” for the polls, noting that only the final movement of personnel and materials remained.
At the close of the visit, Prof. Gumus expressed satisfaction with the commitment of INEC staff, the cooperation of stakeholders, and the overall level of preparedness. She said the visit had shown that Anambra, INEC, and the people were ready and that the Commission looked forward to delivering an election that would reflect the true will of the electorate.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has also approved the appointment of Mr. Adedayo Eriye Oketola as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS). The appointment, which took effect from October 24, 2025, was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
Oketola, a multi-award-winning journalist with nearly two decades of experience, previously served as Editor of The Punch Newspaper, where he earned a reputation for incisive reporting and editorial excellence. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Commission strengthens communication and public engagement in the build-up to major elections.
In the appointment letter, Mrs. Oriaran-Anthony congratulated Oketola on his new role and urged him to discharge his duties with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to transparency, in line with the Commission’s values.
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