The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that it has reached “99 per cent operational preparedness” for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The Commission confirmed that the exercise will take place in 5,718 of the state’s 5,720 polling units, with two units excluded due to a complete lack of registered voters.
Readiness and Voter Confidence
Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, the INEC National Commissioner supervising Anambra and Chairman of the Commission’s Tenders Board Committee, provided the readiness update during a recent assessment visit from Abuja.
“We held meetings with critical stakeholders, monitored the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and we are satisfied with the level of preparedness. We are ready for the election,” Dr. Ikeagu stated.
He also provided a strong assurance regarding the security situation in the historically challenging Ihiala Local Government Area, confirming that security agencies have successfully “recovered and stabilised” areas that were once threatened.
Logistical and Personnel Deployments
To manage the massive electoral process, INEC plans to deploy approximately 24,000 ad-hoc personnel across the state.
On the logistics front, Dr. Ikeagu confirmed that all non-sensitive materials have already been distributed to INEC offices in Anambra, with sensitive materials scheduled for delivery just 24 hours before the polls. To ensure smooth transportation, the Commission has finalized agreements with transport unions and boat owners, who will receive 50% of their payment upfront.
The Commissioner stressed that accreditation and voting will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., with election officials expected to arrive at their assigned polling units by 7:00 a.m.
Successful Mock Accreditation
INEC cited a successful mock accreditation exercise conducted on Saturday as proof of their readiness. Dr. Ikeagu noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned effectively, with the process taking “less than a minute per voter.”
The Commissioner urged voters to promptly collect their PVCs, emphasizing that collection by proxy would not be permitted.
“The election is a shared responsibility. Every voter must take it seriously by collecting his PVCs,” he advised, while also commending residents for the maturity and calm they have displayed throughout the preparatory process.
