The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the forthcoming Anambra State Gubernatorial election will be conducted in 5,718 out of the 5,720 Polling Units (PUs) across the state. This was disclosed by the delegation from INEC headquarters, Abuja, led by Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, the National Commissioner supervising Anambra state and also INEC’s Chairman of Tenders Board, who went on a readiness assessment visit in the State.
Ikeagu further stated that the two polling units that were not included in the exercise was due to, lack of registered voters in the affected areas, he also added that the commission is 90% operationally ready for the Anambra State Governorship election slated for November 8th, 2025.
“We came all the way from Abuja to conduct what is called a readiness assessment for the gubernatorial election. We held meetings with critical stakeholders, monitored the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the state, and we are satisfied with the level of preparedness. We are ready for the election,” he stated.
Speaking on Security challenges in some areas in the State, particularly Ihiala Local Government Area, which was affected during the previous election, he assured that elections will take place in all polling units across the Local Government Areas (LGAs), adding that, the Commission held meetings with heads of security agencies, who assured the Commission of adequate security coverage by Security Personnel in the state including others that will be mobilized from neighboring states for reinforcement.
“Security agencies said that they have successfully recovered and stabilized areas that were once threatened by insecurity. However, where challenges persist, INEC has contingency arrangements, including the use of local government area collation centers as was done during recent bye-elections to ensure that every eligible voter can cast his ballot,” he explained.
He further stated that INEC will deploy approximately 24,000 ad-hoc personnel across Anambra State to ensure that the election is conducted hitch free.
On logistics, Ikeagu said, “We have signed Memoranda of Understanding with transport unions and vehicle owners to ensure the timely and secure movement of election materials. They will receive 50% of their payment before deployment and the balance after the election,”
He added that boats have been arranged for the transportation of materials and personnel in riverine areas, emphasizing that accreditation will commence at 8:30 a.m., and INEC officials are expected to arrive at their polling units by 7:00 am.
Speaking on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) Ikeagu said, “The BVAS functioned effectively during the mock accreditation; the process took less than a minute per voter. This gives us confidence ahead of the main election’’.
He also urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that INEC will not allow PVC collection by proxy.
