The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its preparedness for the 2027 General Election in Anambra State, disclosing plans to deploy 5,720 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines across the state’s polling units.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at the commission’s headquarters in Awka.
Agwu said the commission had procured 5,720 BVAS machines to cover the state’s 5,720 polling units and planned to deploy approximately 22,280 ad hoc staff for the election.
“We have been able to procure about 5,720 BVAS. About 22,280 ad hoc staff would be deployed. We have done an infrastructural audit to ensure the smoothness of the 2027 polls,” she stated.
She expressed INEC’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state, noting that the commission had taken steps to strengthen its operational readiness ahead of the polls.
The REC urged residents who participated in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise between January and July to visit INEC’s headquarters or designated centres for the display of the voters’ register, claims, verification, objections and correction of errors.
According to her, the exercise would enable registered voters to verify their personal details and identify inaccuracies requiring correction before the final register is compiled.
“The exercise is for correction of information previously given, but wrongly captured. This gives the opportunity to correct it at the register, and it would be sent back to the commission to effect any changes where necessary,” she explained.
On measures to strengthen the commission’s operations, Agwu disclosed that INEC had commenced the relocation of its offices situated within local government secretariats to new locations in Anambra State and other parts of the country.
She explained that the move was part of efforts to create a more suitable working environment and curb potential electoral malpractice.
The REC also called on local government mayors to intensify voter education and sensitisation at the grassroots, urging them to encourage eligible residents to participate actively in the election.
She further appealed to political parties and their candidates to prepare adequately for the polls, conduct themselves with decorum and focus their campaigns on clear messages and realistic promises.
Speaking with journalists after the stakeholder engagement, Agwu encouraged Anambra residents to turn out in large numbers on election day, assuring them that their votes would count.
She described voting as a civic responsibility and urged citizens not to be discouraged from participating in the electoral process.
“People should stop complaining and get involved. Citizens should only grumble when their votes do not count. Nobody should be discouraged,” she said.
Agwu also urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), including those who had applied for transfers.
She added that residents who registered newly during the January-to-July CVR exercise would receive their PVCs in due course.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the commission reiterated the importance of voter participation, accurate voter registration records and cooperation among stakeholders in ensuring a credible electoral process in Anambra State ahead of the 2027 General Election.
