By David Lawani, Abuja
In readiness for the Anambra Governorship poll and with just 12 days to the November 8, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its preparedness following a weeklong 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 delegation, which also included National Commissioners Sam Olumekun, Dr Kenneth Ukeagu, and Dr Baba Bila, arrived in Awka on Tuesday, October 21 2025, and immediately commenced engagements with the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and the State Management Team.
The Commission said its mission is to ensure that every logistical, security, and operational element required for the election is not only in place but also operational.
Field visits took the delegation to several Local Government Areas, including Dunukofia and Oyi, where batching and deployment of non-sensitive materials were underway. The team also monitored the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection at designated Registration Areas.
Interacting with voters, Gumus urged patience and cooperation, assuring 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.
However, on Midweek, the team met with the 21 Electoral Officers (EOs) responsible for managing elections across Anambra’s local governments. Discussions centred on logistics, early activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs), and the timely movement of personnel and materials.
Ukeagu emphasised accountability and diligence, directing EOs to ensure meticulous documentation and reverse logistics after the polls. “Every vehicle, every ballot, every form must be properly tracked,” he stressed.
Strengthening his position, Dr Baba Bila, Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, reminded officers that delegated authority comes with full responsibility. “The Commission has given you trust; you must return that trust with integrity,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Sam Olumekun, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), urged officials to “keep the process clean and transparent,” noting that professionalism remains INEC’s strongest currency.
In another engagement, the delegation met with leaders of the transport unions — NURTW, NARTO, and RTEAN — who play critical roles in election-day logistics.
The meeting reinforced INEC’s collaboration with the unions under an existing Memorandum of Understanding.
Ukeagu cautioned against any breach of agreement, warning that the Commission would not tolerate sabotage.
“This is not business as usual. Stick to the agreed vehicles and arrangements. Payment will be prompt, but accountability must be total,” he said.
The readiness mission also featured a high-level Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting, where security chiefs presented updates on operations and flashpoint monitoring.
Representatives of the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military assured of intensified deployments and coordinated patrols before, during, and after the election.
“Our goal is simple-peaceful, credible elections across all polling units,” they pledged.
Agwu, in her remarks at the ICCES meeting, commended the synergy among security agencies, describing it as the foundation of election integrity.
