INEC CHAIRMAN ORDERS STAFF TO ENSURE PROMPT VOTING, FLAWLESS LOGISTICS AHEAD OF ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP POLL
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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has charged commission staff in Anambra State to ensure seamless logistics and the prompt commencement of voting during the November 8 governorship election.
Amupitan gave the directive on Monday during a meeting with INEC officials at the commission’s state office in Awka, as part of his working visit ahead of the poll. The visit coincided with the signing of a peace accord by political parties participating in the election.
According to a statement posted on INEC’s official X handle, the chairman described the meeting as a “family gathering,” stressing that the credibility of the election would depend largely on the professionalism, discipline, and commitment of the commission’s field officers.
“There must not be logistics failure. The eyes of the world are on INEC, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and on you, the electoral officers,” Amupitan said.
“Voting must begin at exactly 8:30 a.m. in all 5,718 polling units across the 21 local government areas. That is non-negotiable.”
The INEC boss, who was recently sworn in, noted that the Anambra election would serve as a critical test of his leadership and the commission’s capacity to deliver credible elections.
He directed that all election materials must leave Registration Area Centres by 6:00 a.m. on election day, adding that all vehicles, drivers, and security operatives must be stationed at deployment points the night before.
“If you don’t have to sleep on Friday, don’t sleep. The first sign of a credible election is that it starts on time,” he stated.
“When people wake up to hear that voting hasn’t started by 9 a.m., that’s already a failure and we will not allow that to happen in Anambra.”
Amupitan disclosed that INEC had finalized arrangements with the Inspector-General of Police for robust security coverage, with over 45,000 police personnel and operatives from other security agencies expected to be deployed during the election.
He commended the successful completion of training for Supervisory Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers, and Assistant Presiding Officers, urging staff to report any operational challenges through established communication channels.
“You are the INEC that people see,” Amupitan told the electoral officers.
“Your diligence, discipline, and integrity will define the credibility of this election.”
On results management, the chairman emphasized the importance of accuracy and transparency in handling Form EC8A, which he described as “the pyramid of votes in Nigeria.” He instructed presiding officers to ensure all results are properly recorded, stamped, and signed, and that collation officers confirm the figures match BVAS accreditation data before proceeding.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. If figures don’t align, corrections must be made transparently as the Electoral Act provides,” he said.
Amupitan also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, disclosing that the commission had extended the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and made special provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to encourage broader participation.
Expressing concern over declining voter turnout, the chairman called for efforts to mobilize citizens to vote.
“In 2013, turnout was around 25 per cent. In 2017, it dropped to 20, and in the last election, only 10 per cent of registered voters participated.
That is not acceptable. We must restore confidence and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote,” he said.
On logistics, Amupitan cautioned against any malpractice in the transport and deployment process, warning that local government Electoral Officers would be held accountable for delays or lapses.
“If an election fails to start on time, the Electoral Officer in that local government will have to explain why,” he warned.
“We are spending huge resources to ensure logistics work smoothly. Anyone found to have compromised the process will be held accountable.”
The INEC chairman added that the commission would reward the best-performing local governments and sanction underperforming ones after the election.
“Excellence must be rewarded, and negligence will not be tolerated,” he stated.
Amupitan closed his address with a call for professionalism and dedication, describing the Anambra Governorship Election as a defining moment for the commission.
“Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria. Whatever happens here will echo across the country,” he said.
“Let us prove that INEC can deliver a credible, peaceful, and transparent election that restores Nigerians’ faith in democracy.”
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