Abuja, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is fully ready to conduct the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, assuring Nigerians of a transparent, credible, and violence-free process.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Amupitan revealed that the Commission had concluded a comprehensive readiness assessment across Anambra State and expressed confidence in its logistical and operational preparedness.
“We have concluded all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of the Anambra governorship election. A total of 24,000 personnel will be deployed across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 wards, 21 local government areas, and finally at the State Collation Centre in Awka,” Amupitan said.
He added that voting would not take place in two polling units where no registered voters exist.
To enhance voter participation, the INEC Chairman announced the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, following reports that only 63.9 percent of registered voters had collected their PVCs.
Amupitan also emphasized that logistics and security plans had been finalized, with 200 buses and 83 boats hired to ensure the smooth transportation of election officials and materials.
“We remain committed to free, fair, and credible elections. However, we must collectively resist the menace of vote buying. Security agents must not allow vote buyers to contaminate our electoral process,” he warned.
Security Agencies Assure of Safe, Peaceful Election: Representing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, at the ICCES meeting, the Director of Internal Security, Mr. Hassan Y. Abdullahi, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral environment.
Abdullahi disclosed that enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and deployment of adequate security personnel had been put in place to deter any attempts by “destructive elements or desperate politicians” to disrupt the polls.
“We are working closely with political leaders and local stakeholders to promote peace. Violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated.
He further noted that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, would coordinate other security services before, during, and after the election.
Police Deploy 45,000 Officers, Ban Vigilante Involvement: In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 45,000 police officers across Anambra State to ensure adequate security coverage during the election period.
Represented by Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, the IGP said pre-election deployments would begin on November 1, with tactical units conducting clearance operations to neutralize threats and arrest potential troublemakers.
“Only security agencies represented in ICCES the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the Military will participate in election security. No vigilante group will be allowed to play any role in the process,” he emphasized.
Egbetokun also announced plans for movement restrictions on Election Day and tighter control at all entry and exit points into Anambra State.
NYSC Pledges Safety of Corps Members: The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, also assured that corps members participating in the election would be fully protected.
Nafiu described corps members as “vibrant, patriotic, and non-partisan Nigerians” whose contribution enhances the credibility of the electoral process.
“We are working closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure the safety, welfare, and insurance of our corps members. I will personally be on ground in Anambra to support them before, during, and after the election,” he said.
He appealed to the people of Anambra to treat corps members as their children and provide them with all necessary support during the exercise.
