TUE OCT 28 2025-theGBJournal| The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan said on Tuesday that the Commission had concluded a comprehensive readiness assessment across the Anambra state ahead of the states November 8, 2025 Governorship election, and was confident of a smooth conduct of the election.
Speaking at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at INEC Headquarters, Abuja, he revealed that 24,000 personnel would be deployed across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 wards, 21 local government areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.
He also noted that voting would not take place in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.
The INEC Chairman announced the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise in Anambra State from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, following reports that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their PVCs.
Prof. Amupitan reiterated INEC’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, stressing that logistics and security arrangements were already in place. “We have hired 200 buses and 83 boats to ensure seamless transportation of election officials and materials,” he said.
He also warned against vote buying, describing it as a menace that threatens the integrity of elections. “Security agents must not allow vote buyers to contaminate our electoral process,” he cautioned.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of Internal Security, Mr. Hassan Y. Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election.
Speaking at the ICCES meeting in Abuja, Abdullahi said the Office of the NSA remains fully committed to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period.
According to him, enhanced surveillance, deployment of adequate security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering have been put in place to prevent any attempt by “destructive elements or desperate politicians” to undermine the electoral process.
He emphasized that political parties and candidates must promote peace and discourage violence. “We are engaging with political leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated,” he said.
He added that the Nigerian Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, alongside other security services, is prepared to maintain order before, during, and after the polls. Abdullahi called on citizens to support a peaceful process “that reflects our shared values and aspirations.”
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in his remark assured that corps members participating in the Anambra State Governorship Election will be fully protected.
Speaking at the ICCES meeting, Brig. Gen. Nafiu said the NYSC was working closely with INEC and security agencies to guarantee the safety and welfare of corps members, who play a vital role in election administration.
He described corps members as “vibrant, patriotic, and non-partisan Nigerians” whose participation enhances the credibility of the electoral process. He added that adequate arrangements had been made for their allowances, insurance, and security coverage.
“I will personally be on the ground in Anambra before, during, and after the election to support our corps members,” Nafiu assured. He appealed to the government and people of Anambra State to regard corps members as their children and provide them with all necessary support.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
