The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has engaged political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders ahead of the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025, pledging a free, fair, and credible poll.
The stakeholders’ forum, held on Tuesday at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, was attended by INEC officials, security agencies, civil society members, traditional rulers, and party chairmen from major political parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, and Accord Party.
Speaking at the meeting, Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s readiness, saying, “Our objective is to engage political parties, candidates, accredited observers, the media, and other stakeholders on preparations for the election. We are committed to delivering a credible, transparent, and peaceful exercise.”
He noted that INEC’s preparations began last year with the publication of the election timetable and schedule of activities in line with Section 28 of the Electoral Act 2022. Amupitan added that only 63.9 per cent of newly registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards, prompting an extension of the collection period from October 29 to November 2, 2025.
“Based on the report of a high-level Commission delegation indicating that only 63.9 per cent of voters had collected their PVCs, INEC extended the PVC collection period from Wednesday, 29th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025.”
“All uncollected PVCs will be retrieved from the 21 LGAs and kept at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election,” he said.
Amupitan highlighted that 11 of 13 scheduled activities have been completed, with the remaining milestones being the end of campaigns on November 6 and election day on November 8.
He also confirmed the publication of the final list of candidates, noting that parties retained the right to replace candidates who voluntarily withdrew.
“The African Democratic Congress conducted a fresh primary to replace its candidate, while four other parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates,” he said.
A total of 16 political parties are participating in the election.
The final voter register, approved on September 4, 2025, lists 2,802,790 voters, including 140,370 valid new voters after the removal of multiple entries and 5,983 approved transfers.
“Political parties have received soft copies of the Register of Voters in line with our commitment to transparency,” Amupitan said.
He also stressed measures to ensure inclusivity, revealing that sign language interpreters would be deployed at polling units for the 3,456 registered voters with disabilities.
“We have accredited 114 observer groups and 76 media organisations with over 500 journalists to provide comprehensive coverage,” he added.
Amupitan warned electoral officers to strictly comply with the Electoral Act. “Any deviations or misconduct will have grave consequences, while diligence will be rewarded,” he said.
He reassured stakeholders of security arrangements, noting collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safe electoral environment.
“INEC is fully prepared. Voting will start at 8:30 am at all 5,718 polling units, and every machine is tested and election-ready,” he said. “Let’s all say ‘NO’ to vote-buying and all forms of election rigging.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy IG Ben Okolo, also assured citizens of adequate security.
“This election is not business as usual. Our allegiance is to the people. We will be civil but not cowardly,” he said, warning that attempts to disrupt the process will be resisted.
Party leaders, including APC Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike, raised concerns about the use of non-state actors and vote buying. Ejidike urged INEC to ensure security forces curb vote buying, saying, “We want to see a situation where vote buying is not heard again.”
