The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, led the process on Thursday, overseeing the dispatch of materials to various local government areas (LGAs) in preparation for the poll.
Dr. Agwu explained that the movement and distribution of the sensitive items began at 9 a.m., covering all Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the state.
She listed the key materials as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B.
According to her, the exercise was jointly supervised by party agents and security personnel to ensure transparency and credibility.
“We have been at the CBN since 9 a.m., and everything has gone smoothly without any complaints. This demonstrates our readiness and commitment to delivering a credible election,” she said.
The REC urged residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty, dismissing fears that their votes might not count or that results had already been predetermined.
“People should come out and vote; participate in the process. Do not stay home thinking your vote will not count or that your candidate has already won. INEC is fully prepared for this election and is assuring the people of Anambra State of a credible and peaceful exercise,” Dr. Agwu stated.
She reaffirmed that INEC, in collaboration with political parties, security agencies, and civil society groups, had put comprehensive measures in place to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Anambra election, Abayomi Shogunle, has confirmed an increase in security deployment from 45,000 to 55,000 personnel to ensure safety across the state.
He said each polling unit would now have at least three security officers, drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and other sister agencies.
“The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit. We want to guarantee voters’ confidence in coming out to cast their ballots without fear,” Shogunle explained.
The police chief added that the expanded deployment was designed to secure voters, electoral officials, and materials, assuring that the exercise would be peaceful and devoid of harassment.
“We assure the people of Anambra that the election will be free, fair, and transparent. Our collective aim is to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved,” he said.
