INEC Assures Anambra Residents Of Credible Gov Election As Candidates Sign Peace Accord
INEC Chairman Assures Peaceful, Credible Anambra Governorship Election
Updated November 3, 2025
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, credible, and transparent.
Amupitan gave the assurance on Monday during the signing of the Peace Accord by political candidates, an event organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
In a statement issued by the Commission, 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 polls has significantly reduced tension and violence in recent elections.
“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,” he said. “This became necessary given the tensions and violence that have accompanied some past elections.”
Professor Amupitan, however, emphasized that peace must go beyond mere signatures on paper.
“It is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” he cautioned, urging all 16 participating political parties and their candidates to ensure that the message of peace reaches their supporters at every level.
INEC’s Readiness and Security Measures
Providing updates on the Commission’s preparations, Amupitan revealed that INEC has fine-tuned its operational plans for the November 8, 2025 election.
He disclosed that 24,000 ad hoc personnel and election materials will be deployed across 5,718 polling units and numerous collation centres in the state, assuring voters of improved logistics and timely commencement of voting.
According to him, the Commission has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters and extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, November 2, to encourage maximum participation.
On security, the INEC Chairman said the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has put in place robust security arrangements. The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will assign 10,250 officers to maintain order and protect voters, officials, and materials.
Zero Tolerance for Electoral Offences
Amupitan also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to curbing electoral malpractice, particularly vote-buying, warning that anyone attempting to undermine the process would face the full weight of the law.
“Any individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people will be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law,” he declared.
Call for Unity and Democratic Values
The INEC Chairman concluded his remarks with a call for unity, peace, and democratic maturity among all stakeholders.
“Let us work together to ensure that this election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and pursuit of common goals,” Amupitan said.
“Let us show the world that Anambra State remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.”
With the signing of the Peace Accord, heightened security measures, and strong institutional readiness, INEC says it is confident that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will serve as a model for peaceful and credible polls in Nigeria.