…Confirms 2,802,790 voters for the poll
.As Obi of Onitsha tells electorates to vote their conscience
…Police set up surveillance team with helicopters, drones
JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja
Prof. Joash Amupitan,the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised a peaceful, transparent, and credible Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday in the state.
The chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan made the promise after the signing of the peace accord by governorship candidates participating the election ahead of the Saturday Nov.8 off-cycle governorship election in the state.
“Our responsibility is to the people of this nation. We are fully prepared to deliver an election that is fair, credible, and reflective of the people’s will,” he said.
Amupitan urged all stakeholders to work together in support of a seamless process, cautioning against any attempt by “vested interests” to discredit the electoral process.
He said that INEC remains focused and undeterred in discharging its constitutional mandate.
The INEC chairman underscored the central role of collaboration with political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and the media in guaranteeing the success of the election.
“We are committed to carrying every stakeholder along in this process. Transparency and partnership remain the bedrock of our credibility,” he said.
Amupitan said that all election materials must arrive at the polling units by 7:00 a.m., and the election must commence at 8:30 a.m. without delay.
He added that collation must take place in the presence of party agents, and collated results must align precisely with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) records.
Amupitan said that strong security arrangements had been instituted to safeguard personnel, voters, and materials throughout the process.
He expressed INEC’s operational capacity, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process during the election.
Dr Elizabeth Agwu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (INEC) in the state, while providing an operational update for the election, confirmed that all non-sensitive materials had been distributed to the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Agwu also disclosed that the BVAS had been fully configured, tested, and was ready for deployment.
“We have left nothing to chance. From the training of personnel to the deployment of materials, every necessary step has been taken to ensure a smooth, credible, and technology-driven election.
”Generators have also been deployed to ensure uninterrupted power supply at critical locations,” she said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on all political parties and their candidates in the Saturday Anambra Governorship election to honour the spirit and letter of the Peace Accord they signed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing of the peace accord was convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Amupitan urged the candidates to ensure that the message of non-violence and mutual respect cascades to their supporters at all levels.
He noted that similar engagements had successfully been conducted in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi and Edo states, noting that encouragingly, parties and candidates largely honoured their commitments under the accord, contributing to peaceful outcomes in spite pre-election anxieties.
Amupitan reassured all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices and the very principles enshrined in the peace accord.
“Let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.
“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.
“Therefore, as you append your signatures today, please ensure the message cascades to your supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections,” Amupitan said.
He said that by signing the peace accord, the stakeholders were not only affirming their dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but also sending a strong message to our citizens that democracy thrives when peace prevails.
He noted that each of the stakeholders has a part to play in the electoral process and urged them to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra is a beacon of hope, resilience and democratic values.
“On our part, the commission has taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state.
“We have extensively engaged our officials, transport providers and security agencies to fine-tune deployment arrangements for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka,” he said.
Amupitan said that voters should expect a significant improvement on election day logistics, adding that enhanced result management processes will also be evident.
He disclosed that INEC had approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the election and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) extended to Sunday Nov. 2.
He stated that any individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people would be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.
“The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust security measures for this election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, While the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other Agencies,” he said.
Amupitan said that with the peace accord, the proactive efforts of security agencies and the valuable contributions of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society, the media and other stakeholders, INEC was confident of peaceful and successful election in Anambra.
.. INEC confirms 2,802,790 voters, reaffirms stand against vote-buying
However, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday said it has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the Nov. 8, governorship election in Anambra.
Prof. Joash Amupitan, the INEC Chairman, said this during the signing of the Peace Accord for the Governorship Off-Cycle Election by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Awka.
Amupitan also said that the commission had finalised deployment plans for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, and the 21 local government and state collation centres in Awka.
He reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to combat vote-buying during the election.
According to him, any individual or group attempting to subvert the will of the people would be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust security measures for this election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other agencies.
“Voters should therefore, expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics. Enhanced result management processes will also be evident,” he said.
While reaffirming the commission’s readiness to fulfill its mandate, Amupitan urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold the principles of the peace accord.
“As the election management body, I want to reassure all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices and the very principles enshrined in the Peace Accord.
“However, let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.
“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials will be at risk and ultimately, the credibility of the process will be undermined.
“Therefore, as you append your signatures today, please ensure the message cascades to your supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections,” he said.
The INEC boss said that signing of the Peace Accord represented a collective reaffirmation of stakeholders’ commitment to non-violence and mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
He said that the gesture underscored the shared responsibility of all parties to uphold peace and integrity before, during and after the election.
“By embracing the accord, stakeholders are sending a powerful message to the people that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and unity of purpose.
“Each one of us has a role to play in this process. Let us work together to ensure that the forthcoming election is remembered, not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and shared purpose.
“Let us show the world that Anambra stands as a beacon of hope, resilience and democratic values.
“For our part, the commission has taken deliberate measures to overcome operational challenges and guarantee a smooth and credible election across the state,”he said.
Amupitan expressed confidence in a credible electoral process, citing the proactive efforts of the security agencies , the strong support from traditional, community and religious leaders, as well as the civil society, the media and other stakeholders.
“By God’s grace, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful and successful,” he said.
The INEC chairman commended the National Peace Committee for its unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the committee’s sustained engagement with stakeholders toward a shared vision of peace would leave a lasting impact on the nation’s democracy
.Vote your conscience, Obi of Onitsha tells Anambra electorate
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged the electorate to vote their conscience in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday in the state.
Achebe made this call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Onitsha.
The traditional ruler also urged voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, emphasising the importance of free, fair, and credible election.
“There is a need for the people to vote according to their conscience, shun vote buying, and apathy.
“The future of Anambra depends on the decisions made at the polls.”
“I urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the rule of law before, during, and after the election,” he said.
Achebe also urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts in alleviating the suffering of the poor and reducing hunger in the country.
He expressed concern over the rising rate of insecurity across the country and urged the government to take urgent action to curb crime and restore peace.
Achebe called for unity, perseverance, and resilience among Nigerians.
He advised residents of the state to uphold the enduring moral values of Ndigbo for the continued progress and development of the state
Also, As part of sustained efforts to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free Governorship Election in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has received the Force Headquarters Advance Tactical Teams deployed to strengthen the security architecture across the State.
The deployment, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is in line with the Force’s strategic operational plan to reinforce local formations with additional manpower and advanced technical support, including helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance.
Receiving the tactical teams in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his unwavering support and commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Anambra State.
According to the CP, the aerial surveillance will complement ongoing land patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and police special squads strategically deployed across all 21 Local Government Areas of the State. He emphasized that the combined efforts of the Command and the newly arrived tactical operatives will further enhance visibility policing, intelligence- driven operations, and rapid response to emerging threats.
The CP stated that the deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and flash points, while ground teams will maintain robust patrols and checkpoint operations across all the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
He reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in maintaining peace, law and order, especially as the Governorship Election draws closer.
CP Orutugu further urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the Police, by promptly reporting suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.
The Anambra State Police Command Spokesman SP Toochukwu Ikenga in a release assures the good people of the State of its firm commitment to ensuring a secure environment where law-abiding citizens can go about their lawful duties without fear or intimidation.
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