Anambra Decides: INEC Delivers Non-Sensitive Materials, Vows Credible Poll

Anambra Decides: INEC Delivers Non-Sensitive Materials, Vows Credible Poll

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared full readiness for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election, with all non-sensitive materials already delivered to the state ahead of schedule.

Acting INEC Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, made this known on Tuesday during the Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Political Parties held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

“All non-sensitive materials for the Anambra Governorship Election have been delivered to the State. Voter education and sensitization are ongoing, and we have had several engagements with security agencies at the national, state, and local government levels to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise,” she confirmed.

Agbamuche-Mbu, who assumed office following the exit of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on October 7, praised her predecessor for leaving behind a legacy of innovation, institutional strength, and integrity, assuring that the Commission would sustain its commitment to transparent and inclusive elections.

She revealed that out of 13 key activities in the timetable for the Anambra poll, 10 have already been completed, with only three remaining, publication of the notice of poll on October 25, the last day of campaigns on November 6, and the election itself on November 8.

“The Commission is committed to keeping strictly to the remaining activities as detailed in the timetable and schedule. Political parties are therefore called upon to be mindful of the last day for campaigns and adhere strictly to it,” she said.

The Acting Chairman also provided updates on other scheduled elections, including the FCT Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections slated for June 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively.

She added that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which resumed nationwide in August, has received impressive turnout, describing it as “a clear indication that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the Commission’s efforts to ensure that every eligible citizen determines who leads them.”

On political party registration, Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that INEC received 171 applications from associations seeking registration, out of which 14 met the constitutional and legal requirements to proceed to the next stage.

IPAC Tasks INEC on Credible Poll

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Agbamuche-Mbu on her appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership.

“The nation will benefit from her impressive service record and wealth of experience. We look forward to collaborating with the new leadership to deepen democracy in Nigeria,” Dantalle said.

Describing the forthcoming Anambra governorship election as the “litmus test” for INEC’s new leadership, Dantalle urged the Commission to ensure credibility and transparency.

“Nigerians expect credible, transparent, and inclusive elections where every vote is counted and counts in the overall result. “The success of the November 8 Anambra election will set the tone for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the decisive 2027 general election,” he stated.

Dantalle also called on the National Assembly to expedite constitutional and electoral reforms, including the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), the reservation of special seats for women, and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission.

“With new leadership, citizens’ expectations are high, very high. INEC must justify the confidence the nation has reposed in it. That is the only way to rebuild trust and encourage mass participation in future elections,” he said.

Agbamuche-Mbu closed the session by reaffirming INEC’s pledge to uphold transparency and fairness in all its operations.

“The Commission remains resolute in deepening democracy through inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes,” she said.