A delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has arrived in Anambra State to assess the commission’s level of preparedness for the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
The four-member team, led by National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, included the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, Supervising Officer for Anambra, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, and Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, Dr. Baba Bila.
On arrival at the state headquarters in Awka on Thursday, October 22, the delegation was received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, alongside other senior officials.
During an interactive session with journalists, Olumekun explained that INEC had already implemented a comprehensive operational plan designed to ensure a credible poll.
“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.
“This week’s visit includes meetings with key stakeholders, mock accreditation, and a comprehensive review of preparations — all to demonstrate that INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.”
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The delegation also toured Dunukofia and Oyi Local Government Areas to inspect the distribution of non-sensitive materials and monitor the ongoing issuance of Permanent Voter Cards in registration centres such as Ukpo and Nteje.
After the inspection, the team commended the progress made and praised the cooperation between INEC officials and residents. It urged voters to remain peaceful and law-abiding as preparations continue.
INEC stated that it would in the coming days hold meetings with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, transport unions, and other relevant stakeholders, while also observing a mock accreditation exercise before completing its assessment.
Dr. Agwu, while giving assurances of a smooth process, said arrangements had been made to ensure early deployment of materials to all polling units, including those in riverine communities.
“The commission has provided funds and boats to convey electoral officers and materials to riverine communities,” she said.
“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 added that voters had been adequately educated on the voting process, noting that accreditation and voting would begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., with all voters already on the queue at closing time allowed to cast their ballots.