Countdown to Anambra 2025: INEC Declares Total Readiness

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Anambra State is fully prepared for the November 8, 2025 governorship election, assuring citizens that every eligible voter will be included in the process.

In a bulletin released on Monday, INEC said the declaration followed a weeklong readiness assessment tour across the state, led by Rhoda Gumus, the National Commissioner for Election Planning and Monitoring. The delegation from INEC headquarters in Abuja included national commissioners Sam Olumekun, Kenneth Ukeagu, and Baba Bila. The team carried out a comprehensive evaluation of facilities, logistics, and security arrangements to ensure a credible and transparent election.

The readiness tour, which began on October 21, saw the delegation arrive in Awka, the state capital, where they met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and other stakeholders to review preparations for the poll. According to the bulletin, the visit focused on verifying the operational efficiency of logistics, materials deployment, security coordination, and voter education efforts.

Gumus said the exercise was designed to ensure all elements required for a credible election were fully functional ahead of the polls. During field visits to local government areas including Dunukofia and Oyi, the delegation monitored the batching and deployment of non-sensitive materials and inspected the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise. She assured voters that INEC’s processes were designed to be inclusive and accessible. “This process is designed to be smooth and inclusive. No voter will be left behind,” Gumus said.

The INEC team also held strategy meetings with the 21 Electoral Officers (EOs) responsible for conducting the election across all local government areas. The discussions focused on early activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs), timely movement of election materials, and coordination of personnel on election day.

Sam Olumekun, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, reminded officials of the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct. “Keep the process clean and transparent. Professionalism remains INEC’s strongest currency,” he said.

In his remarks, Kenneth Ukeagu, National Commissioner representing the South-East, warned against any breach of agreed logistics plans or operational procedures. “This is not business as usual. Stick to the agreed vehicles and arrangements. Payment will be prompt, but accountability must be total,” Ukeagu stated. He further disclosed that INEC was “99 percent ready” for the Anambra polls. “Every other component is in place—from logistics to security, voter sensitisation, and material tracking,” he added.

At the conclusion of the weeklong tour, Gumus expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and the cooperation received from local officials and stakeholders. “Our visit has shown that Anambra is ready, INEC is ready, and the people are ready,” she said. “We look forward to delivering an election that will reflect the true will of the electorate.”