The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is in its final stages of preparation for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, affirming its commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible polls. Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, confirmed the Commission's readiness during meetings of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held recently, including one on Tuesday, October 28.

A comprehensive readiness assessment conducted across Anambra State over a week-long period by a high-level delegation, which included the National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring, Rhoda Gumus, concluded that INEC is fully prepared. Prof Amupitan disclosed that INEC plans to deploy approximately 24,000 personnel for the election. Out of the 5,720 polling units (PUs) in the state, voting will take place in 5,718, with two polling units excluded due to the complete absence of registered voters.

Addressing logistical challenges, Prof Amupitan acknowledged network issues encountered during a mock accreditation exercise using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in 12 selected polling units across six Local Government Areas. However, he assured that all necessary measures are being implemented to ensure stress-free elections. To enhance voter participation, and in response to a report indicating that only 63.9% of voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), INEC extended the PVC collection period in Anambra State from October 29 until Sunday, November 2, determined that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised.

For the seamless movement of poll officers and sensitive materials, INEC has finalized arrangements with major transport unions, including the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN), hiring 200 buses and 83 boats. Results from the election will be collated at 326 Ward centres, 21 Local Government Area centres, and ultimately at the State Collation Centre in Awka.

Security remains a paramount concern for the election. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA, issued a stern warning that any form of violence would be met with an uncompromising response from security agencies. Robust security measures have been put in place, including enhanced surveillance, the deployment of sufficient security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to deter disruptive elements or desperate politicians from undermining the electoral process. The NSA stressed the importance of political party leaders and candidates advocating for peace and encouraging their supporters to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.

In parallel, the police in Anambra State, under the directive of Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu, have initiated proactive security measures. Coordinated security patrols and raids have been launched on identified troubled areas and flashpoints across the state. These operations, as announced by Command’s spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga on October 28, aim to curb emerging threats such as political thuggery, cult-related violence, and illegal possession of firearms. Commissioner Orutugu reiterated that the police would maintain neutrality, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding the electoral process without bias. Security agencies are also charged with sustaining collaboration to ensure a safe and orderly voting environment.

Both INEC and the security agencies have issued strong warnings against vote buying and voter inducement. Prof Amupitan emphasized that security agents must not create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate, urging a collective effort to combat this menace and uphold democratic values. The collaborative efforts involving the military, police, paramilitary agencies, and other stakeholders underscore a unified commitment to guaranteeing a violence-free and transparent election in Anambra State.