The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated its readiness for Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, assuring that the exercise will be transparent, credible, and peaceful.
Speaking on Monday during the signing of the Peace Accord in Awka, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), pledged enhanced result management, early deployment of election materials, and robust security coordination across the state.
‘Commitment, not Signatures, Guarantee Peace’ — INEC Chair
Amupitan urged political parties and candidates to go beyond symbolic signatures on the Peace Accord by committing genuinely to non-violence and lawful conduct throughout the election.
“It is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” he cautioned.
He warned that any breach of peace could disrupt logistics and compromise the integrity of the process.
NPC Peace Meeting Draws Key Stakeholders
The event, convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), brought together governorship candidates, traditional rulers, security chiefs, religious leaders, and members of civil society.
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Amupitan commended the NPC for extending its peace-building initiative beyond presidential elections to state-level contests, recalling that the first off-cycle exercise was held in Edo State in 2020, which contributed to a peaceful outcome.
INEC to Deploy 24,000 Personnel Across 5,718 Polling Units
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission would deploy over 24,000 ad hoc personnel across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, 21 local government collation centres, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.
He said logistics had been strengthened through collaboration with security agencies and transport unions to ensure timely delivery of materials.
“Voters should expect a significant improvement in election-day logistics and result management processes,” he said.
2.8 million Registered Voters, Extended PVC Collection
According to Amupitan, the final voter register contains 2,802,790 eligible voters, while the PVC collection deadline was extended to Sunday, November 2, to enable maximum voter participation.
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Reiterating INEC’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned that anyone caught engaging in vote-buying or other electoral offences would be prosecuted.
Security Agencies Deploy Massive Personnel
On security arrangements, Amupitan disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will provide 10,250 operatives, supported by other agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
“With the Peace Accord signed today, proactive security measures in place, and the collaboration of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society, and the media, we are confident that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful and successful,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
