With just 12 days to the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its preparedness following a weeklong readiness assessment visit across the state.
A high-level delegation from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, led by National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, concluded a comprehensive tour of facilities, stakeholders, and field activities aimed at fine-tuning operational details for the upcoming election.
The team, which included National Commissioners Mr. Sam Olumekun, mni, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, and Dr. Baba Bila, arrived in Awka on October 21, 2025, and immediately commenced engagements with the Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and the State Management Team. The mission was to ensure that all logistical, security, and operational elements required for the conduct of the poll were in place and functional.
Field inspections took the delegation to several local government areas, including Dunukofia and Oyi, where batching and deployment of non-sensitive materials were ongoing. The team also monitored Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection at various registration areas. Interacting with voters, Prof. Gumus assured that every eligible citizen would be attended to. “This process is designed to be smooth and inclusive. No voter will be left behind,” she said.
The delegation also held a strategic session with the 21 Electoral Officers (EOs) overseeing elections across Anambra’s local governments. Discussions focused on logistics, activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs), and timely movement of personnel and materials. Dr. Ukeagu emphasized diligence and accountability, directing EOs to ensure meticulous documentation and proper reverse logistics after the polls. “Every vehicle, every ballot, every form must be properly tracked,” he said.
Reinforcing the message, Dr. Baba Bila, Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, reminded officers that delegated authority comes with responsibility. “The Commission has given you trust; you must return that trust with integrity,” he stated. Similarly, Mr. Olumekun, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), urged officials to uphold transparency and professionalism, describing it as INEC’s “strongest currency.”
In another engagement, the delegation met with leaders of the NURTW, NARTO, and RTEAN, who are critical partners in election-day logistics. Dr. Ukeagu reiterated the need for strict adherence to agreements under the existing Memorandum of Understanding, cautioning against any breach or sabotage. “This is not business as usual. Stick to the agreed vehicles and arrangements. Payment will be prompt, but accountability must be total,” he warned.
The team also convened a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), where security chiefs provided updates on deployments and flashpoint monitoring. Representatives of the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military assured of intensified operations and coordinated patrols before, during, and after the election. “Our goal is simple—peaceful, credible elections across all polling units,” they pledged.
In her remarks, Dr. Agwu commended the synergy among security agencies, noting that the collaboration was key to ensuring a safe and credible process. “We enter this election with a peaceful state of mind. The cooperation we see today gives us confidence that materials, personnel, and voters will move freely and safely on Election Day,” she said.
The readiness assessment concluded with a Mock Accreditation Exercise in Anambra East, where the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was tested successfully. The devices performed optimally, confirming their readiness for full deployment. Dr. Ukeagu, visibly satisfied, declared the Commission “99% ready,” adding that only the final movement of staff and materials remained.
At the end of the tour, Prof. Gumus expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and stakeholder cooperation. “Our visit has shown that Anambra is ready, INEC is ready, and the people are ready. We look forward to delivering an election that will reflect the true will of the electorate,” she said.