International observers and civil society organisations have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they described as a transparent, well-coordinated, and peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.

The commendations were contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oketola.

Reports from the INEC Situation Room indicated that voting across the state had been orderly, with improved voter turnout and a calm atmosphere when compared to the 2021 governorship election.

Observers credited the smooth process to INEC’s strong logistics, effective use of technology, and the leadership of the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).

Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates praised INEC’s performance, describing the process as peaceful and professional.

“The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr. Nkweke said while monitoring polling units in Awka.

He also lauded the security agencies for maintaining order across voting centres. “The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation,” he said.

Addressing claims of vote buying, Nkweke noted that there was no evidence of such in areas monitored by his team. “We have not seen anything like that in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible,” he added.

Civil society groups also expressed satisfaction with INEC’s logistics and early deployment of staff and materials.

Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, said the early arrival of materials and officials demonstrated the commission’s readiness.

“Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South. Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC,” she stated.

Aguata Federal Constituency representative, Mr. Dominic Okafor, who voted at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu, also praised the exercise. “I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far. Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive,” he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Mr. Shedrack Azubuike, described the poll as an example of good electoral conduct. “The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,” he said.

In his own remarks, INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible polls.

“Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful,” he stated.

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