The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has assured Nigerians that the forthcoming Anambra State off-cycle governorship election will be peaceful, transparent, and credible, citing extensive preparations and a strong collective commitment to non-violence.
According to a statement released by INEC on Monday, Professor Amupitan gave the assurance during the signing of the Peace Accord, organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
In his goodwill message, the INEC Chairman commended the NPC for its “unwavering commitment to fostering peaceful elections in Nigeria,” noting that extending the Peace Accord initiative to off-cycle governorship elections has significantly helped to reduce political tension and electoral violence across the country.
“After witnessing the success of the Peace Accord at the national level, the NPC graciously agreed, five years ago, to our request to devolve its signing.
“This became necessary given the tensions and violence that have accompanied some past elections,” Professor Amupitan explained.
He, however, cautioned that signing the document alone does not guarantee peace.
“It is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” he said, urging the 16 political parties and their candidates to ensure that the message of peace cascades down to their supporters.
Highlighting INEC’s readiness, Professor Amupitan disclosed that the Commission has concluded comprehensive deployment plans for 24,000 personnel and election materials across Anambra’s 5,718 Polling Units and multiple collation centres ahead of the November 8, 2025 election.
“Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics,” he assured.
He revealed that a total of 2,802,790 eligible voters have been cleared to participate in the election, and that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been extended until Sunday, November 2, to maximize voter participation.
Reiterating INEC’s zero tolerance for electoral malpractice, the Chairman warned against vote-buying and other forms of electoral fraud.
“Any individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people will be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law,” he stated.
On security arrangements, Amupitan disclosed that the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has put in place robust measures to safeguard the process.
He confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will deploy 10,250 officers across the state.
With the Peace Accord in place, proactive security measures, and strong stakeholder engagement, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups, the INEC Chairman expressed optimism that the Anambra Governorship Election will be both peaceful and successful.
Concluding his remarks, Professor Amupitan appealed for collective responsibility, saying:
“Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and pursuit of common goals.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra State is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.”
(Channels Tv)
