Anambra poll: INEC Team Arrives For Mock Accreditation, Others

A four-member delegation from the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, on Thursday, arrived in Anambra State to assess the commission’s readiness for the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

The delegation, led by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Election Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, includes the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun; the Supervising Officer for Anambra State, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu; and the Chairman, Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, Dr. Baba Bila.

The team, which arrived on Thursday, was received by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, and other senior officials at the INEC state headquarters in Awka.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Awka, Olumekun said the commission had been implementing a comprehensive operational plan covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.

“The commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements,” he said.

“This week’s visit includes meetings with key stakeholders, mock accreditation, and a comprehensive review of preparations — all to demonstrate that INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.”

According to the commission, the visit was aimed at evaluating logistics, operational readiness, and general preparedness ahead of the governorship poll.

As part of the exercise, the delegation visited Dunukofia (Anambra Central) and Oyi (Anambra North) Local Government Areas to inspect the batching of non-sensitive materials and monitor the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards in registration areas such as Ukpo and Nteje.

After the inspection, the team expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved so far, commending both INEC staff and residents for their cooperation. It also urged voters to remain patient, law-abiding, and orderly as preparations continue.

In the coming days, the delegation is expected to meet with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, engage transport unions, and observe a mock accreditation exercise before concluding its mission in the state.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a peaceful, transparent, and credible election in Anambra State.

Also speaking, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, assured that all election materials would arrive promptly at polling units, including those in riverine areas.

“The commission has provided funds and boats to convey electoral officers and materials to riverine communities,” she said.

“Materials will leave the CBN state headquarters on the afternoon of Thursday, November 6. With that schedule, there will be no late arrival on election day.”

Agwu added that voters had been adequately sensitised on election procedures, noting that voting would begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., with all eligible voters on the queue by the closing time allowed to cast their ballots.

Punch