The Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to credible, transparent, and inclusive elections as she addressed stakeholders during the Commission’s quarterly meeting on Wednesday.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu made this known during the Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives on Wednesday in Abuja.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu expressed appreciation to regular participants for their continued engagement with the Commission’s activities. She also paid tribute to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who bowed out of office on October 7, 2025, after years of innovative leadership.
“We acknowledge with deep appreciation his invaluable contributions, not just to Nigeria, but to democracy across the continent,” she said.
The Acting Chairman outlined progress made in the series of elections and electoral activities announced during the last quarterly meeting. These include by-elections held on August 16, 2025, across 12 states, as well as preparations for major off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
She revealed that INEC had successfully completed 10 out of 13 key activities for the Anambra State Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025. The remaining activities include the publication of notice of polls (October 25), the end of campaigns (November 6), and the election day itself.
“The Commission is committed to keeping strictly to the remaining activities as detailed in the timetable and schedule,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that non-sensitive materials for the Anambra election had been delivered, while voter education and sensitization were ongoing. INEC’s media and situation room for the poll was opened on September 1, and 43 media organizations have so far applied for accreditation.
She reminded journalists that the media accreditation portal will close on October 24, 2025, with no extension to the deadline.
On the upcoming FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, the Acting Chairman said the polls would cover 68 constituencies across six councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Gwagwa.
Out of the 13 scheduled activities, eight have been completed, with the remaining five — including the submission of polling agents, publication of the voter register, and the election day — to follow as planned.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed on August 18, 2025 (online) and August 25, 2025 (in-person), will run for a full year, ending August 13, 2026. She described the public response as encouraging and a reflection of Nigerians’ faith in democracy.
“This is a testament that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the Commission’s efforts to ensure all eligible citizens can participate,” she said.
Providing an update on new political party applications, the Acting Chairman revealed that INEC had received 171 requests for registration. After rigorous assessment based on constitutional and legal provisions, 14 associations have met the requirements to proceed to the next stage. Details of the qualified associations, she noted, have been published on the Commission’s website.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu urged the media to maintain professionalism and accuracy in their coverage, describing them as “a bulwark against fake and misleading information.” “Our doors remain open for verification and clarification on any matter,” she assured.
The Acting Chairman concluded by calling on political parties, security agencies, and all stakeholders to continue collaborating with INEC in strengthening the electoral process. “We look forward to your contributions to the improvement of the electoral process in Nigeria,” she said.
Responding the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Yahya A. Alhassan, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to promoting professionalism, accuracy, and peacebuilding in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Alhassan commended INEC for its continued reforms and transparency in managing the country’s electoral processes, noting that the media plays a crucial role in ensuring citizens remain informed and engaged.
“The citizens are well-informed when political actors are held accountable and the electoral process is reported with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility,” he said. “The media has been instrumental in communicating INEC’s reforms to the public and ensuring that citizens understand and trust the system.”
The NUJ President emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between INEC and the media to strengthen transparency, inclusivity, and technological advancement in Nigeria’s elections. He described the relationship between both institutions as essential for combating misinformation and ensuring timely access to accurate information.
“As we approach future elections, collaboration between INEC and the media must deepen to enhance accountability, promote responsible reporting, and counter fake news,” Alhassan said. “Journalists remain committed to professionalism, ethical conduct, and peacebuilding.”
He also urged journalists to continue upholding the principles of integrity and national unity, describing the media as “strategic allies in nurturing Nigeria’s democracy.” “Together, we can ensure that every election reflects the true will of the people and strengthens public confidence in our democratic institutions,” he added.
Alhassan applauded INEC’s preparations for the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, as well as other off-cycle elections across the country. He acknowledged the Commission’s openness in engaging journalists and other stakeholders, noting that such interactions build trust and accountability.
“I must commend INEC for these initiatives and for providing opportunities for media professionals to participate in the accreditation and monitoring processes,” he stated. “Your efforts in transparency and inclusivity are worthy of recognition.”
The NUJ President concluded by thanking the Commission for maintaining a cordial relationship with the media and reaffirmed the union’s readiness to continue supporting democratic governance through responsible journalism. “We thank INEC sincerely for this opportunity and for your continued partnership in strengthening democracy in Nigeria,” he said.