Anambra Poll: INEC Assures Smooth Election Despite BVAS Network Glitch

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reassured Nigerians that the November 8 Anambra governorship election will be conducted seamlessly, despite minor network issues encountered during a recent mock accreditation exercise.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), co-chaired by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Mr. Hassan Abdullahi.

The meeting reviewed security and logistical preparations for the upcoming poll and marked Prof. Amupitan’s first ICCES session since assuming office.

We’re Fully Prepared for November 8 Poll — INEC

Prof. Amupitan said INEC’s readiness assessment across Anambra confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been completed.

“Following our comprehensive readiness assessment across the state, INEC is confident of its full preparedness for the polls,” he stated.

He acknowledged minor network challenges recorded in 12 polling units during the mock accreditation but said the issues were being resolved ahead of election day.

“Although we encountered some network challenges during the mock accreditation exercise, efforts are underway to ensure a seamless election on November 8. We are ready for large-scale deployment,” he assured.

According to him, INEC will deploy about 24,000 personnel across 5,718 polling units in the state, noting that two units will not be used as they have no registered voters.

Results, he said, would be collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.

PVC Collection Extended to November 2

Amupitan also announced an extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise to ensure more eligible voters can participate.

“To ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised, the Commission has extended PVC collection in Anambra from October 29 to November 2, 2025,” he said.

He revealed that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their cards so far, adding that the extension was to close that gap.

The INEC boss commended security agencies for their cooperation and coordination, describing their role as “crucial” to the success of the election.

“Security agencies have played a vital role in securing the environment, without which elections would be impossible in some locations,” he said.

He disclosed that a high-level ICCES meeting had been held in Anambra to assess operations and monitor flashpoints, with assurances from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military of “heavy deployment and coordinated patrols before, during, and after the election.”

Logistics Ready: 200 Buses, 83 Boats Deployed

Amupitan said the Commission had concluded logistics arrangements with major transport unions, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

“About 200 buses and 83 boats have been hired for the movement of personnel and election materials across the state,” he disclosed.

He warned against vote-buying, urging security agencies to take firm action against offenders.

“Any attempt to induce voters before or during the Anambra election must be resisted and curtailed. We must join hands to combat vote buying and uphold the values of democracy,” he said.

FG Warns Politicians Against Violence

Representing the National Security Adviser, Mr. Hassan Abdullahi said the Federal Government had implemented robust measures to ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and materials throughout the electoral process.

“We have enhanced surveillance, increased deployment of security personnel, and strengthened intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the process,” he stated.

He warned that any act of violence or disruption would attract swift and decisive action from security agencies.

“Violence will not be tolerated. Political parties and candidates must advocate peace and ensure their supporters conduct themselves responsibly. Any act of violence will be met with a strong, uncompromising response,” he warned.

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