INEC team begins field assessment ahead of Anambra governorship election

A four-member delegation from the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has arrived in Anambra State to assess the commission’s preparedness for the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The delegation, which arrived on Thursday, is led by INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Election Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, and includes Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee; Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, the Supervising Officer for Anambra State; and Dr. Baba Bila, the Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee.

They were received in Awka by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, alongside other senior INEC officials.

During an interactive session with journalists, Olumekun said the visit was part of INEC’s ongoing field evaluation to ensure comprehensive readiness across all operational fronts.

“The commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements,” he said.

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He added that the visit would feature stakeholder meetings, mock accreditation, and a full review of preparations — all aimed at reassuring the public of INEC’s commitment to delivering a credible process.

“This week’s visit includes meetings with key stakeholders, mock accreditation, and a comprehensive review of preparations — all to demonstrate that INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State,” he stated.

As part of the field activities, the team visited Dunukofia (Anambra Central) and Oyi (Anambra North) Local Government Areas to inspect the batching of non-sensitive materials and monitor the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in registration centres at Ukpo and Nteje.

After the inspections, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, commending both INEC staff and residents for their cooperation. It also appealed to voters to remain patient, law-abiding, and orderly as preparations enter their final phase.

In the coming days, the delegation is expected to meet with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), hold discussions with transport unions, and oversee a mock accreditation exercise before rounding off its mission in the state.

INEC reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in Anambra.

Also speaking, the Anambra REC, Dr. Agwu, assured that all logistics arrangements have been finalised to ensure early deployment of materials to every polling unit, including those in riverine communities.

“The commission has provided funds and boats to convey electoral officers and materials to riverine communities,” she said.

She added that election materials would leave the CBN state headquarters on the afternoon of Thursday, November 6, ensuring that there would be no delay in arrival at polling stations.

Dr. Agwu also noted that voters had been adequately sensitised on the voting procedure.

“Voting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., with all eligible voters on the queue by the closing time allowed to cast their ballots,” she explained.

The INEC delegation is expected to conclude its engagement early next week, ahead of the final phase of pre-election logistics in the state.

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