INEC Confirms 2.8 Million Voters, 24,000 Officials, 55,000 Security Personnel For Anambra Governorship Election

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally approved a total of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, during the signing of the Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Awka on Monday.

According to Mr Amupitan, the final register marks a crucial milestone in the commission’s preparation for the off-cycle election, reflecting months of verification, data cleaning, and stakeholder engagement. He stated that the commission has completed its deployment plans for 24,000 ad hoc staff and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, and 21 local government and state collation centres.

While addressing political stakeholders and security chiefs at the event, the INEC boss assured voters of a transparent and credible process, saying the commission is determined to uphold the will of the electorate. He stressed that any individual or group attempting to manipulate or subvert the people’s choice would face the full weight of the law.

The chairman revealed that the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has finalised comprehensive security arrangements to guarantee voter safety and safeguard election materials. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will provide an additional 10,250 officers. Other security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Federal Road Safety Corps, will also play critical support roles.

Mr Amupitan expressed optimism that the upcoming election would demonstrate significant progress in logistics and result management. He pointed out that the commission has refined its internal processes to ensure smoother operations, faster deployment of personnel, and real-time transmission of results from polling units.

Addressing candidates and party representatives at the Peace Accord ceremony, the INEC chairman emphasised that genuine peace depends not only on signing documents but also on the sincerity of political actors. He urged political parties and their supporters to commit to non-violence, mutual respect, and fair conduct throughout the electoral process.

He cautioned that disruptions on Election Day could endanger personnel, compromise materials, and undermine the credibility of the entire process. “Peace is not achieved through signatures alone but through the spirit of commitment that follows it,” he remarked, urging politicians to communicate the message of tolerance to their followers across all levels.

The Peace Accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee led by respected elder statesmen, represents a collective pledge to conduct the election without violence. It also reinforces the shared duty of all stakeholders to preserve the sanctity of the democratic process. Mr Amupitan applauded the NPC’s role in building trust among political parties and fostering dialogue aimed at preventing electoral conflicts.

According to him, the Anambra election presents an opportunity for citizens and leaders alike to demonstrate that democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law. He called on voters to come out in large numbers, assuring them that security agencies would guarantee their safety.

He added that INEC had learned from past challenges and was implementing improved strategies to ensure efficient operations. “We have taken deliberate steps to strengthen logistics coordination and ensure prompt delivery of materials to every polling unit across the state,” he stated.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, religious figures, civil society organisations, and the media were also commended for their role in sensitising the public and promoting peaceful participation. Mr Amupitan highlighted that their continued collaboration remains central to the credibility of the electoral process.

He further expressed confidence that with divine guidance and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election would be both peaceful and successful. He pledged that INEC would maintain transparency at every stage, from accreditation and voting to collation and declaration of results.

The ceremony concluded with renewed pledges of peace from political parties and candidates, who vowed to respect the outcome of the polls and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could incite unrest. The National Peace Committee received commendation from INEC for its steadfast commitment to sustaining democratic stability and encouraging a culture of peaceful elections in Nigeria.

Mr Amupitan’s remarks captured the essence of the event: a call for unity, responsibility, and collective vigilance in safeguarding democracy. As Anambra prepares for its crucial governorship election, all eyes are now on the state to set a new benchmark for credible, transparent, and violence-free polls.