The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 2,803,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this during a strategy dialogue with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja on Tuesday. The meeting was convened by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre.
Agwu explained that 140,907 newly registered voters would receive their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the week’s end, while 978 backup Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines had been prepared for deployment across the state’s 5,720 polling units.
She said, “A total number of 2.803 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election. Before the end of this week, about 140,907 newly registered voters will get their Permanent Voters Card. 978 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS machines have been reserved for the election that will take place in 5,720 polling units in the state.
“All the ballot papers and the result sheets are polling unit specific. What it means is that you cannot use a material meant for one polling unit in another unit.”
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The REC assured that all BVAS devices were fully charged and secured, adding that sensitive materials would be distributed under strict supervision at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“Some of the materials are already safely in our possession. My store officer locked the storage room, and I locked it again with my own key. You cannot break it except you pull down the building,” she said.
Agwu added that security agencies across the three senatorial districts had been trained ahead of the election, and 16 political parties with their candidates would be contesting for the governorship seat.
“We have published the list of candidates and their deputies in all 21 local government areas, as required by law. We have followed every provision of the Electoral Act,” she said.
She further assured that her office would maintain neutrality and transparency throughout the process. “No one has ever asked me to favour any candidate. I am here to serve Nigeria and do what is right. I have been praying that God will not allow me to be coerced,” she added.
Acknowledging ongoing concerns about funding, logistics, and security, Agwu said contingency plans were already in place to address any disruptions. “There are challenges, but we have strategies in place. We are working hard, and God is helping us. The people of Anambra can go to the polls with confidence,” she said.
Also speaking, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ekulu Remijius, who represented the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured that security agencies were fully prepared to safeguard the election.
“We have done all our simulations and they are top-notch. Off-cycle elections come with both positives and negatives; while some may seek to infiltrate and cause mayhem, the state will be flooded with security operatives to ensure safety,” he said.
Remijius revealed that a “show of force” would be conducted on the eve of the election, with identified blackspots slated for preemptive raids. “All roads will be blocked on election eve. Only accredited persons will be allowed to move. Military personnel will also secure boundary towns to prevent infiltration, while police formations will converge at collation centres to ensure a fortified process,” he added.
Earlier, the Convener of the Situation Room, Mr. Y. Z. Ya’u, explained that the meeting offered civil society organisations an opportunity to assess INEC’s level of preparedness. He emphasised that credible elections remain crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The upcoming Anambra governorship election comes amid political and security concerns in the South-East region and will serve as a test of INEC’s technological improvements, especially the use of the BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, following mixed experiences during the 2023 general elections.
