Features
New INEC boss says “We’re Fully Ready” for November 8 Guber Poll, extends PVC collection
Written By: Abdullahi Izuagbe
28 Oct 2025 09:01 PM
Abuja – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared full operational readiness for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, with Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, vowing a “smooth, credible, and inclusive” exercise.
Addressing the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan announced: 24,000 personnel deployed across 5,718 polling units, results collation at 326 wards, 21 LGAs, and the State Collation Centre in Awka, No voting in two polling units due to zero registered voters, and Comprehensive readiness assessment completed statewide.
“Every logistic, security, and technological component is in place,” the INEC chief declared. “Anambra will once again set the standard for electoral excellence in Nigeria.”
In a last-minute boost to voter participation, INEC has extended PVC collection in Anambra from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025. The move follows alarming data showing only 63.9% of the state’s 2.6 million registered voters had collected their cards as of Monday.
“We cannot afford voter apathy,” Prof. Amupitan warned, noting, “This extension is a clarion call: collect your PVC and own your future.”
Collection centers will operate 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, including the weekend, with INEC urging unclaimed cardholders to visit their local government offices immediately.
Security agencies, led by the Inspector-General of Police, pledged “water-tight” protection, with rapid-response teams, riverine patrols, and aerial surveillance over flashpoint areas like Ihiala, Orumba North, and Aguata.
Anambra’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that sensitive materials will arrive Awka by November 4, with mock accreditation drills slated for November 6.
Political stakeholders welcomed the assurances but called for real-time result uploads and protection of INEC ad-hoc staff. The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSON) plans a voter education rally in Onitsha on November 1.
With 18 candidates cleared to run – including Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Valentine Ozigbo (PDP), and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP) – the stage is set for a fierce contest.
Addressing the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan announced: 24,000 personnel deployed across 5,718 polling units, results collation at 326 wards, 21 LGAs, and the State Collation Centre in Awka, No voting in two polling units due to zero registered voters, and Comprehensive readiness assessment completed statewide.
“Every logistic, security, and technological component is in place,” the INEC chief declared. “Anambra will once again set the standard for electoral excellence in Nigeria.”
In a last-minute boost to voter participation, INEC has extended PVC collection in Anambra from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025. The move follows alarming data showing only 63.9% of the state’s 2.6 million registered voters had collected their cards as of Monday.
“We cannot afford voter apathy,” Prof. Amupitan warned, noting, “This extension is a clarion call: collect your PVC and own your future.”
Collection centers will operate 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, including the weekend, with INEC urging unclaimed cardholders to visit their local government offices immediately.
Security agencies, led by the Inspector-General of Police, pledged “water-tight” protection, with rapid-response teams, riverine patrols, and aerial surveillance over flashpoint areas like Ihiala, Orumba North, and Aguata.
Anambra’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that sensitive materials will arrive Awka by November 4, with mock accreditation drills slated for November 6.
Political stakeholders welcomed the assurances but called for real-time result uploads and protection of INEC ad-hoc staff. The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSON) plans a voter education rally in Onitsha on November 1.
With 18 candidates cleared to run – including Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Valentine Ozigbo (PDP), and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP) – the stage is set for a fierce contest.
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