The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that no fewer than 24,000 ad hoc staff of all categories will be deployed across 5,718 polling units in Anambra State for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

According to Akahi News, the disclosure was made by Dr Kenneth Ikeagu, INEC National Commissioner supervising Anambra and Chairman of the Tenders Board Committee, during a press conference held at the Commission’s state headquarters in Awka on Saturday.

INEC Reaffirms Readiness for Transparent Poll

Dr Ikeagu revealed that, in addition to the ad hoc personnel, 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election, ensuring wide media participation and transparency in the process. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, inclusive, and efficient elections in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022.

“We have been implementing a comprehensive plan covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination,” Ikeagu explained. “Our mock accreditation exercise went seamlessly across the selected polling units. Accreditation took less than six minutes, and voting was completed within 36 minutes.”

Testing Technology and Ensuring Preparedness

As part of its preparation, INEC conducted a mock accreditation exercise using the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to test efficiency and the process of uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal.

Polling units across Anambra Central, North, and South were selected for the trial, including areas in Awka South, Idemili North, Oyi, Anambra East, Aguata, and Orumba North.

Dr Ikeagu stated that the mock exercise was vital to assess logistical and operational readiness, ahead of the main election.

“We are very much prepared for this election,” he assured. “All electoral materials will leave on Thursday afternoon, ensuring early arrival at polling units. Boats have been arranged to serve the riverine areas, and funds have already been released for that purpose.”

PVC Collection and Voter Mobilisation

INEC also confirmed that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would continue across wards until Sunday, October 25, warning that the deadline would not be extended unless directed by the headquarters.

The Commission urged registered voters to collect their PVCs and participate peacefully in the election.

“Anambra people are well-informed and enlightened. Election starts by 8:30 a.m. and ends by 2:30 p.m. Anyone on the queue within that time will cast their vote,” Ikeagu assured.

Multi-Party Contest Ahead

Akahi News gathered that 16 governorship candidates representing different political parties will contest the election, including the incumbent governor and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking re-election.

The electoral body called for continued cooperation from political stakeholders, residents, and security agencies to maintain order before, during, and after the polls.

Observers note that with the scale of personnel and logistical coordination announced, INEC appears determined to deliver one of the most transparent elections in Nigeria’s recent history.

Thanks. By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org