The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has assured Nigerians that the Commission was fully prepared for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.
Speaking at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Prof. Amupitan said the Commission had concluded a comprehensive readiness assessment across the state and was confident of a smooth conduct of the election.
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 the 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 election.
Speaking at the ICCES meeting in Abuja, Abdullahi said the Office of the NSA remained fully committed to implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilisation 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 emphasised 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 (NPF), as the lead agency for election security, alongside other security services, was 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 remarks, 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.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 45,000 police officers across Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
Represented by Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle at the ICCES meeting in Abuja, the IGP said the deployment would ensure adequate security before, during, and after the polls.
He announced that pre-election deployments would begin on November 1, with tactical units conducting clearance operations to neutralize threats and arrest potential troublemakers.
Egbetokun also disclosed that only security agencies officially represented in the ICCES—such as the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military—would be involved in the election. “No vigilante group will be allowed to play any role in the electoral process,” he stressed.
He further stated that the police would impose movement restrictions on Election Day and ensure all entry and exit points in Anambra are adequately manned. “We are determined to deliver a peaceful and credible election,” he stated.
