A four-member delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters arrived in Anambra State on Thursday to assess the commission’s level of preparedness ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Naijaonpoint reports that the delegation, led by the National Commissioner in charge of Election Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, also includes the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun; the Supervising Officer for Anambra State, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu; and the Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, Dr Baba Bila.
The team was received in Awka by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, alongside other senior INEC officials at the commission’s state headquarters.
‘We Are Ready for a Credible Election’ – INEC Claims
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, Olumekun assured the public that the commission had put in place a comprehensive operational plan addressing logistics, technology deployment, staff training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.
“The commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements,” he said.
He explained that the team’s visit involved meetings with key stakeholders, mock accreditation exercises, and a comprehensive review of field preparations, all aimed at demonstrating that INEC is fully committed to delivering a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.
The delegation also visited Dunukofia (Anambra Central) and Oyi (Anambra North) Local Government Areas, where they inspected the batching and storage of non-sensitive materials.
At the Ukpo and Nteje registration areas, the officials monitored the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and interacted with electoral officers and residents.
After the inspection, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded so far and commended both INEC staff and voters for their cooperation and patience.
“We are impressed with the progress made. INEC staff have been diligent, and residents have shown commendable cooperation. We urge everyone to remain patient, law-abiding, and peaceful as we approach election day,” a member of the team said.
According to INEC, the visit is part of its broader effort to evaluate logistical and operational readiness ahead of the November polls.
In the coming days, the delegation will meet with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to review security arrangements and engage transport unions to ensure efficient deployment of election materials and personnel.
A mock accreditation exercise will also be held before the team concludes its mission in the state.
‘No Late Arrival on Election Day’ – REC Assures
The Anambra REC, Elizabeth Agwu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to a smooth election, stressing that every polling unit — including those in riverine areas, would receive materials on time.
“The commission has provided funds and boats to convey electoral officers and materials to riverine communities,” Agwu stated.
“Materials will leave the CBN state headquarters on the afternoon of Thursday, November 6. With that schedule, there will be no late arrival on election day.”
She also said the commission had intensified voter education and sensitisation campaigns, noting that polling would commence at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., while all voters already on the queue by closing time would still be allowed to vote.
Olumekun Reassures Commitment
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and peace throughout the electoral process.
The Commission assured that every aspect of the preparation, from logistics to security and technology, had been carefully planned to guarantee a credible and violence-free election in Anambra State.
“We remain committed to ensuring that every vote counts and that the people of Anambra freely choose their next governor without interference or delay,” Olumekun said.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]