Physical Address
Awka Anambra State
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured Nigerians, especially residents of Anambra State, that the forthcoming governorship election in the state will be peaceful, transparent, and credible.
Yakubu gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, where he reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to conduct an election that meets both national and international standards. He emphasized that the commission has put in place robust measures to ensure a hitch-free exercise and to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Commitment to Free and Fair Election
Professor Yakubu stated that INEC remains fully committed to upholding the principles of fairness, neutrality, and transparency throughout the entire election process. According to him, the commission has continued to improve on its logistics, voter accreditation systems, and security coordination to ensure that every vote counts.
He said, “The commission is not only prepared but determined to conduct one of the most credible elections in Anambra’s history. Every measure has been taken to guarantee that the will of the people prevails through the ballot.”
Yakubu reaffirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will once again be deployed across all polling units to ensure proper voter verification and reduce incidents of multiple voting or impersonation.
Security Agencies Promise Maximum Support
At the stakeholders’ forum, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) pledged to provide maximum security before, during, and after the election.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police assured residents that security operatives will be deployed strategically across all local government areas to prevent violence, intimidation, or vote-buying.
Professor Yakubu commended the collaboration between INEC and security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), noting that such coordination is vital for maintaining peace and order on election day.
Stakeholders Urged to Support Peaceful Process
The INEC chairman also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid inflammatory statements or actions that could lead to unrest. He reminded politicians that elections should be viewed as a contest of ideas and not a battlefield.
Yakubu further urged community leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the media to play constructive roles in promoting peace and voter awareness.
“The success of any election does not depend on INEC alone,” he noted. “It requires the collective effort of all stakeholders politicians, voters, and security agencies. We are appealing to everyone to ensure that the process remains peaceful.”
Improved Logistics and Early Deployment Plans
In preparation for the Anambra governorship election, INEC has finalized arrangements for the early distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to all local government areas in the state.
Yakubu explained that the commission has learned valuable lessons from previous elections, especially regarding logistics challenges and late arrival of materials. As a result, contingency plans have been established to prevent delays and ensure polling units open on time.
He disclosed that trained ad hoc staff, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, have been adequately briefed and equipped to carry out their duties effectively. The commission also confirmed that backup power sources, vehicles, and security escorts have been arranged to ensure smooth operations.
Voter Education and Inclusivity
INEC also emphasized its focus on voter education and inclusivity for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and first-time voters.
According to Yakubu, INEC has launched targeted awareness campaigns across communities in Anambra to encourage voter participation and dispel misinformation about the electoral process.
He stated that braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and other assistive devices will be available at polling stations to support persons with disabilities, ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their civic right without hindrance.
Transparency and Technology in Election Management
The INEC boss reiterated that the commission will continue to leverage technology to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. He reaffirmed that the Election Result Viewing (IReV) portal will be fully functional during the Anambra election, allowing real-time upload of results from polling units.
This, he said, will not only promote transparency but also allow citizens, journalists, and observers to monitor the process and verify results independently.
Yakubu assured that all INEC officials and personnel have been instructed to uphold professionalism and neutrality, warning that anyone found engaging in electoral malpractice will face immediate disciplinary action.
Civil Society and Observers React
Civil society organizations and election observers who attended the meeting commended INEC’s proactive efforts and urged the commission to maintain its commitment throughout the election period.
They, however, advised that INEC should continue to strengthen communication with the electorate, ensure timely deployment of materials, and maintain coordination with security agencies to avoid voter intimidation.
Observers also appealed to the political class to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and to respect the outcome of the election, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when the will of the people is respected.
Conclusion
As Anambra State prepares for its upcoming governorship election, the assurance from INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has renewed confidence among stakeholders that the exercise will be peaceful and credible.
INEC’s emphasis on early logistics, voter inclusivity, security collaboration, and technological transparency underscores its commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election.
Nigerians now look forward to seeing the commission’s promises translated into action, as the Anambra governorship election is expected to serve as another litmus test for the country’s growing democratic process.
