INEC RECORDS 98.8% PVC COLLECTION IN ANAMBRA, ASSURES SECURITY AND READINESS FOR GOVERNORSHIP POLL
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 2,769,137 out of 2,802,790 registered voters in Anambra State have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing an impressive 98.8% collection rate ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this during a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, November 6, 2025. He reaffirmed that all logistics and security arrangements for the November 8 election had been finalised, assuring voters of a peaceful, credible, and inclusive exercise.
Prof. Amupitan described the turnout for PVC collection as “a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s electoral history,” noting that the extension of the collection period across all 326 Registration Areas contributed significantly to the high success rate. He added that all uncollected PVCs would be securely stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election.
According to the final figures released by the Commission, Oyi Local Government Area recorded the highest collection rate with 99.82%, followed closely by Onitsha South (99.74%), Orumba North (99.51%), and Nnewi North (99.40%). Aguata LGA had the lowest collection rate at 96.60%.
Commending the people of Anambra for their civic enthusiasm, the INEC Chairman said the figures reflect “a people ready to shape their future through the ballot box.” He also appreciated INEC officials, security agencies, and other stakeholders for ensuring smooth voter sensitisation and logistics coordination across the state.
Reaffirming the Commission’s preparedness, Prof. Amupitan stated that all 5,718 polling units will open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m., with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) deployed for accreditation and result upload to the IReV portal. “Over 24,000 trained ad hoc staff and 6,879 fully tested BVAS devices are ready for deployment,” he said.
He added that more than 3,000 vehicles and 83 boats, supported by security escorts, will convey election materials and personnel, especially to riverine areas. INEC’s Situation Room in Abuja, he said, will monitor field operations in real-time to ensure immediate response to any issues.
On security, the INEC boss revealed that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, backed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). “Neutrality is guaranteed. Impunity will not be tolerated,” he assured.
In a bid to enhance inclusion, Prof. Amupitan announced that INEC, in collaboration with TAFAfrica, will deploy sign language interpreters across polling units to assist 3,456 registered voters with disabilities. He described the initiative as “a landmark for inclusive democracy.”
He also confirmed that four National Commissioners and ten Resident Electoral Commissioners will supervise the election, with special voting arrangements for six Registration Areas in Ihiala LGA to ensure safety.
Appealing to voters to turn out en masse, the INEC Chairman said, “You have collected your PVCs, security will protect you, and INEC is ready. So, come out on Saturday, November 8, to vote freely, peacefully, and proudly.”
He warned against electoral offences such as violence, vote buying, or ballot interference, saying offenders would face swift prosecution.
Prof. Amupitan expressed confidence that the Anambra governorship election will be “peaceful, credible, and a victory for democracy.” He also urged political parties and stakeholders to comply with timelines for the submission of agents and observers ahead of the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026.
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