The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deliver a transparent, credible, and peaceful governorship election in Anambra State on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Meeting in Awka, he urged political parties, candidates, and citizens to uphold integrity and reject all forms of electoral malpractice.
Professor Amupitan, accompanied by eight national commissioners including Mr. Sam Olumekun, emphasized INEC’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency. He noted that preparations for the election began in 2024 with the release of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities, of which eleven out of thirteen statutory steps have been fully implemented in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
He confirmed that sixteen political parties will participate in the election, with five making lawful substitutions of candidates and deputies. A total of 2,802,790 voters have been cleared to vote, following the clean-up of the register after the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which validated 140,370 new entries and approved 5,983 intra-state voter transfers.
To enhance participation, the Commission extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to November 2, ensuring that eligible voters can collect their cards. Uncollected PVCs, he assured, will remain secured at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election to prevent misuse.
In a landmark move for inclusivity, INEC has partnered with TAFAfrica to deploy sign language interpreters to polling units, enabling 3,456 registered voters with disabilities to participate fully. Professor Amupitan described this as a significant step in advancing electoral accessibility and equity.
He disclosed that INEC had accredited 114 domestic observer groups, 76 media organizations, and thousands of party agents to monitor the process across 5,718 polling units, ensuring transparency and broad oversight. Over 500 journalists will cover the election to guarantee real-time reporting and accountability.
Reaffirming the Commission’s technological readiness, Professor Amupitan stated that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would be deployed for voter authentication and electronic transmission of results. A successful mock accreditation across six local government areas, he added, confirmed the system’s robustness.
On logistics, INEC has engaged 2,233 buses and 83 boats through registered transport unions to ensure efficient deployment of personnel and materials. Sensitive materials will be inspected by political parties at the Central Bank of Nigeria before being distributed to local governments, guaranteeing transparency and accountability.
Professor Amupitan commended all sixteen political parties for signing the Peace Accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee and urged political actors to demonstrate maturity and respect for the rule of law. He warned electoral officials against misconduct, pledging that any breach of INEC’s guidelines would attract immediate sanctions.
He expressed gratitude to security agencies for their collaboration and assured the public of adequate protection on election day. Urging voters to participate peacefully, he declared, “Let us say no to violence, intimidation, and vote-buying. Together, we can strengthen democracy and prove that credible elections are possible in Nigeria.”
The election will feature sixteen candidates, including incumbent Governor Charles Soludo (APGA), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Dr. George Moghalu (Labour Party), and Jude Ifeanyi Ezenwafor (PDP), in what promises to be a keenly contested race.
The meeting was well attended by key dignitaries, including APGA’s Bar. Sly Ezeokenwa Jnr. (representing Governor Soludo), APC candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu with State Chairman Hon. Basil Ejidike, Anambra Industry Commissioner Hon. Christian Udechukwu, Obedient Movement’s Comr. Ikenna Azomchine, and traditional rulers such as Igwe Ben Emeka.
