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Anambra Governorship Poll: INEC Chair Amupitan Urges Parties, Candidates to Obey Electoral Rules
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan calls on parties and candidates to adhere to election rules ahead of Saturday’s Anambra governorship poll, assuring full preparedness with 24,000 trained ad hoc staff and 6,879 BVAS machines.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election to strictly adhere to the rules guiding the electoral process.
Amupitan made the appeal in Awka on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the commission ahead of Saturday’s poll.
The meeting came barely 24 hours after candidates signed a peace accord, committing to a violence-free election.
Addressing participants, Prof. Amupitan—who will be overseeing his first major election since assuming office as INEC chairman—assured that the commission was fully prepared for a credible and transparent exercise.
“INEC has put everything in place to ensure a smooth and credible election. We appeal to all political actors to play by the rules and respect the peace accord they have signed,” Amupitan said.
He detailed the commission’s preparations, revealing that a mock election had been successfully conducted in 12 polling units across six local government areas to test logistics and technical readiness.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, DIG Ben Okolo, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations at Force Headquarters, called for political tolerance and adherence to democratic values.
“Candidates, parties, and their supporters must commit genuinely to peace before, during, and after the election,” Okolo stated, emphasizing the need for restraint and respect for the law.
He further reminded stakeholders that campaigns would end on November 6, while voting takes place on November 8.
According to INEC, the election will hold across 326 wards, with 5,718 polling units and 183 split polling units, supported by 6,879 active BVAS machines for voter accreditation.
A total of 24,000 ad hoc personnel have also been trained to ensure effective conduct of the election.
Speaking at the meeting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, commended INEC for organizing the interactive session, describing it as an opportunity for candidates and parties to better understand the commission’s operational plans and readiness.
“This meeting has provided clarity on INEC’s level of preparedness, and we are encouraged by the transparency shown so far,” Ukachukwu remarked.
The INEC chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, assuring voters that their ballots would count.
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