Preparation for Anambra State Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated the distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials to all 21 local government areas in preparation for the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State. This critical phase took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Awka, under the supervision of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Awgu. The event was marked by a heavy presence of security personnel, ensuring a secure environment for the process.
Party agents were also present on the ground to observe the distribution, reinforcing the transparency of the operation. Dr. Awgu emphasized that three key materials—Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B—were loaded into vehicles for transportation to the Registration Area Centres across the state. She highlighted the importance of this step in ensuring the election commenced on schedule.
“People should come out and vote; participate in this election process. Do not stay at home thinking that your vote will not count, and do not assume that your candidate has already won,” she urged.
Dr. Awgu further stated that INEC had made comprehensive preparations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and civil society organizations, to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and credible election. She noted that party agents and security operatives jointly supervised the distribution of sensitive materials, and everything had proceeded smoothly without any challenges or complaints.
Enhanced Security Measures
In parallel, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Anambra State, CP Abayomi Shogunle, revealed that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had increased from 45,000 to 55,000 officers. This deployment includes personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, DSS, NDLEA, and other sister agencies. At least three security operatives have been assigned to each polling unit.
“The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and protection of voters and electoral officials,” Shogunle explained. He assured the people of Anambra that the election would be free, fair, transparent, and devoid of intimidation. He also mentioned that the movement of materials from the CBN was being closely monitored to ensure safety.
Ensuring Staff Welfare
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, assured National Youth Service Corps members being deployed as ad hoc staff of their safety and timely payment of election duty allowances. During a stakeholders’ engagement with observers and ad hoc staff in Awka, he emphasized that no one would withhold their entitlements.
“As far as their allowances are concerned, we made an agreement… all those things will be adequately addressed, including allowances for corpers,” he said. He also noted that security agencies had assured INEC of the protection of poll workers, stating that some were already “raking the ground” while others would “do mopping later.”
Prof. Amupitan urged electoral officers to maintain neutrality in their duties, stressing that INEC was committed to conducting a peaceful and successful election that could serve as a model for future polls. He reiterated that everything necessary for the Anambra election had been provided.
Combating Vote Buying
Prof. Amupitan insisted on a zero-tolerance stance against inducement of voters and urged citizens to provide evidence of vote buying. He mentioned that some individuals had offered to give evidence of vote buying, and the commission had requested them to come forward before the commission, which would then be handed over to the police.
“It’s contrary to Section 151 of the Electoral Act… People told us they can even mention names. We’re still waiting for those names so that we take necessary action,” he said. This warning comes in response to allegations that Governor Soludo’s campaign cash reward scheme could encourage vote buying. However, the governor clarified that the scheme was meant to reward party workers mobilizing support, not voters.
Monitoring and Potential Risks
Election monitoring group Yiaga Africa has identified Orumba North, Orumba South, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata as potential security flashpoints, with some communities reportedly under threat from non-state armed groups. At a pre-election press conference in Awka, the Chair of the 2025 Anambra Election Mission, Dr. Asmau Maikudi, stated that these LGAs would require intelligence-driven deployment.
“These LGAs are considered potential hotspots… requiring more deliberate and intelligence-informed deployment,” she said. She also expressed concerns that voter turnout could fall below 20 per cent due to widespread distrust in the process, noting poor engagement and low registration among young people.
She highlighted that civic participation would depend on three benchmarks: efficient logistics, integrity in electoral procedures, and impartiality of security agencies.
Electoral Logistics and Participation
INEC reported that the state has 2,802,790 registered voters, with 98.8 per cent PVC collection. It also confirmed the deployment of sign-language interpreters to support voters with disabilities. To prevent delays, INEC stated that all 5,718 polling units would open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, with 6,879 BVAS devices tested, configured, and backed up for use. Over 24,000 trained ad hoc staff are on standby.
“Neutrality is guaranteed. Impunity will not be tolerated,” Amupitan said. “Anyone attempting violence, vote-buying, intimidation, or ballot interference will face swift, lawful consequences.”
Sixteen candidates from 16 political parties will contest the poll, with incumbent Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance looking to retain his seat.