INEC Declares 99% Readiness For Anambra Governorship Poll, To Use 5,718 Polling Units

According to Ireporter Online, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, will be conducted in 5,718 of the state’s 5,720 polling units. The electoral body disclosed that two polling units would be excluded from the exercise due to the absence of registered voters.

The announcement was made by the INEC National Commissioner overseeing Anambra State and Chairman of the Commission’s Tenders Board Committee, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, during a readiness assessment visit by a delegation from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Dr. Ikeagu stated that INEC had attained a 99 percent level of operational readiness ahead of the governorship election. “We came from Abuja to conduct a readiness assessment for the gubernatorial election. We have met with key stakeholders, reviewed the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and we are satisfied with our level of preparedness. INEC is ready for the election,” he affirmed.

He further assured that elections would hold in all polling units within Ihiala Local Government Area, an area previously affected by security challenges. According to him, security agencies have successfully stabilized areas that once faced threats, while contingency measures have been put in place for any location where issues persist. “Wherever security concerns remain, INEC will use local government collation centres to ensure every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote,” Ikeagu added.

The Commissioner revealed that about 24,000 ad-hoc personnel would be deployed across the state for the election. He also confirmed that non-sensitive materials had already been distributed to INEC offices across Anambra, while sensitive materials would arrive 24 hours before the polls.

On logistics arrangements, Dr. Ikeagu disclosed that INEC had reached agreements with transport unions and boat operators to facilitate the movement of election materials. He explained that operators would receive 50 percent of their payment before election day and the remaining balance upon completion of the exercise.

He reiterated that accreditation would commence by 8:30 a.m., while polling officials were expected to be at their respective units by 7:00 a.m.

Dr. Ikeagu also described the mock accreditation exercise conducted on Saturday as successful, noting that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed efficiently, with each voter accredited in less than a minute. “This reassures us of a seamless process on election day,” he said.

He commended residents of Anambra for their peaceful conduct ahead of the polls and encouraged continued cooperation with security agencies to maintain calm. “Security is everyone’s business, not just that of the police. Ndi Anambra have shown commendable maturity, and we urge them to sustain it for a credible and peaceful election,” he advised.

The INEC Commissioner further reminded registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, warning that collection by proxy would not be permitted. “Every eligible voter must personally collect their PVCs. After the election, uncollected cards will remain at the local government offices as the property of the individual voter,” Ikeagu emphasized.