Amanze Chinonye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for November 8, 2025, assuring Nigerians of transparency and efficiency under its new chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).
Speaking at a forum for media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities held on Tuesday in Awka, Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), commended journalists for their professionalism during recent electoral exercises in the state and called for stronger collaboration in promoting democracy through responsible communication.
“This forum is a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media our indispensable partners in nation-building,” Olumekun said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDescribing the media as “the oxygen of democracy,” he urged practitioners to uphold accuracy and balance in their reportage to ensure that citizens remain well-informed ahead of the polls.
Olumekun revealed that INEC had made significant progress in its preparations, with all non-sensitive materials already delivered to the state, while sensitive materials would arrive in due course under strict security arrangements.
He explained that the Commission’s ongoing week-long readiness assessment includes meetings with key stakeholders such as the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and a mock accreditation exercise designed to fine-tune logistics and operational efficiency.
The Commission also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise are available for collection between Wednesday, October 22, and Sunday, October 26, 2025, at registration ward levels across the state.
“There will be no collection by proxy,” Olumekun emphasized. “We seek your support to mobilize voters through your platforms to collect their PVCs and participate in the November 8 election.”
INEC further released detailed voter registration data, confirming a final register of 2,802,790 voters cleared for the upcoming election. This follows the CVR exercise conducted from July 8–20, 2025, which initially recorded 168,187 new applications.
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After biometric cleanup via the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), 27,817 duplicate registrations were removed, leaving 140,370 valid new registrants, alongside 5,983 approved transfers bringing the total number of valid additions to 146,353. Before the cleanup, the register stood at 2,656,437 voters.
A breakdown by Local Government Area (LGA) shows:
- Idemili North: 246,318 voters (8.79%)
- Awka South: 216,611 voters (7.73%)
- Ogbaru: 188,016 voters (6.71%)
- Dunukofia: 83,580 voters (2.98%)
- Anambra West: 71,332 voters (2.55%)
Olumekun also reminded journalists that the online accreditation portal for election coverage will close on Thursday, October 24, 2025, stressing that no extensions would be granted. Accredited journalists can collect their tags from the NUJ Secretariat in Awka beginning Monday, November 3, 2025. Each tag will carry a unique barcode that security agencies can scan to verify accreditation details an innovation designed to enhance safety and access control at election venues.
He added that the list of accredited journalists for the State Collation Centre would be shared with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and security agencies to ensure proper coordination during result collation.
INEC identified fake news and misinformation as major threats to electoral integrity and public confidence, warning journalists to verify information before dissemination.
“False stories and manipulated videos can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust,” Olumekun cautioned. “Let truth remain your only compass verify before you amplify.”
Reaffirming INEC’s long-standing partnership with the media, he described the relationship as “not transactional but foundational,” adding that both institutions are “united by a shared belief that democracy must be protected not only at polling units, but also in the minds of citizens who rely on accurate information to make informed choices.”
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, who was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, described the Anambra governorship election as his first major assignment since assuming office. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and law professor, has pledged to strengthen voter confidence, improve logistical planning, and consolidate technological reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result transmission.
“Our objective is clear to deliver elections that reflect the true will of the people,” Amupitan stated shortly after his confirmation.
With less than three weeks to the polls, INEC’s preparations ranging from logistics and security coordination to stakeholder engagement are being closely monitored by election observers, civil society organisations, and political parties.
All eyes are now on the Commission’s new leadership to deliver a peaceful, transparent, and credible election that could serve as a benchmark for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
