Less than a week before the Anambra State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 2,802,790 eligible voters are cleared to participate in the November 8 poll.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the signing of the Peace Accord organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Awka, the state capital.
Prof. Amupitan stated that the Commission has finalized preparations for deploying 24,000 personnel and sensitive election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, and 21 local government and state collation centres.
He reassured Nigerians that INEC is fully prepared to conduct a credible and transparent election, warning against attempts to undermine the process. “Any individual or group attempting to subvert the will of the people will be dealt with firmly under the law. The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has put robust measures in place for this election,” Amupitan said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The INEC Chairman added that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will contribute 10,250 personnel, supported by other security agencies.
“Voters should expect significant improvements in election-day logistics, including enhanced result management processes,” he added.
Prof. Amupitan reiterated INEC’s neutrality and urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to uphold the principles of the Peace Accord. “Signing the accord is not enough; genuine commitment to its provisions ensures peace. Without it, logistics will be disrupted, personnel and materials endangered, and the credibility of the election compromised,” he warned.
He appealed to all stakeholders to promote peace among their supporters, noting that it is crucial to honour the National Peace Committee’s efforts in advancing peaceful elections in Nigeria.
Describing the Peace Accord as a reaffirmation of the commitment to non-violence, Amupitan said it symbolizes a collective responsibility to protect the electoral process. “By embracing the accord, stakeholders signal that democracy thrives in an environment of peace, tolerance, and unity of purpose,” he said.
He expressed confidence in a smooth election, citing cooperation between INEC, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and the media. “By God’s grace, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful and successful,” he concluded.
Prof. Amupitan also commended the National Peace Committee for its ongoing efforts to ensure credible and peaceful elections nationwide, noting that its engagement with stakeholders leaves a lasting impact on Nigeria’s democracy.
