By Tony Ezike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has achieved 99% operational preparedness for the upcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election, following a successful mock assessment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and stakeholder engagements across the state.
Briefing journalists in Awka after the exercise, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, INEC National Commissioner supervising Anambra State and Chairman, Tenders Board Committee, stated that the mock exercise included accreditation and result uploading simulations aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of BVAS on election day.
Dr. Ikeagu revealed that voting will take place in 5,718 polling units across the state, as two polling units have no registered voters. He further disclosed that 24,000 ad-hoc personnel will be deployed, supported by trained technical assistants known as RATECHs, each equipped with four to five backup BVAS devices per unit to address any technical hitches.
On election logistics, Dr. Ikeagu said INEC had reached near-total readiness, with non-sensitive materials already distributed to all local government offices, while sensitive materials will arrive 24 hours before the election.
“We came all the way from Abuja to conduct a readiness assessment for the gubernatorial election. We met with critical stakeholders, monitored the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and we are satisfied with the level of preparedness. We are ready for the election,” he affirmed.
The Commission also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with transport unions and vehicle owners to ensure the secure and timely delivery of election materials, noting that 50% of payments will be made before deployment, with the balance settled after the polls. Boats have also been arranged to facilitate transportation of materials and personnel in riverine areas.
On security, Dr. Ikeagu assured that INEC had collaborated closely with the heads of various security agencies who pledged adequate deployment of personnel, including reinforcements from neighboring states. He emphasized that while armed police officers will not be allowed inside polling units, the military will maintain regular patrols to safeguard the electoral environment.
The National Commissioner noted that previously volatile areas, such as parts of Ihiala Local Government Area, have been stabilized, allowing elections to hold in all polling units within the area. Where security challenges persist, he said, contingency plans, including the use of LGA collation centers have been put in place.
Dr. Ikeagu commended the people of Anambra for their maturity and peaceful conduct ahead of the election, urging citizens to sustain the calm atmosphere.
“Security is everybody’s business, not just that of the police. Let us all work together to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, 81 media organizations applied for election monitoring, with 76 accredited to cover the polls, according to INEC.
Present at the briefing were:
Mr. Sam Olumekun, mni, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee
Prof. Rhoda Gumus, National Commissioner and Chair, Planning, Monitoring & Strategy Committee
Dr. Baba Bila, National Commissioner and Chairman, Electoral Operations & Logistics Committee
Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, National Commissioner supervising Anambra State and Chairman, Tenders Board Committee
The Commission reiterated its confidence that, with the current level of readiness and stakeholder collaboration, Anambra State is set for a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election on November 8, 2025.
