The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Anambra residents that the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election will be credible, free, and peaceful, emphasizing extensive preparations and a collective commitment to non-violence by all stakeholders.
Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of INEC, made the statement on Monday during the signing of the Peace Accord by candidates contesting the election.
The event was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
Addressing the candidates and the media, Amupitan stressed the symbolic importance of the accord, saying,
“It is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.
”Every candidate and political party must ensure that this message of peace cascades to their supporters, ” he said.
The INEC Chairman commended the NPC for its continued efforts to foster peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that extending the Peace Accord initiative to off-cycle governorship elections had played a critical role in reducing tensions and violence in past polls.
“After witnessing the success of the Peace Accord at the national level, the NPC graciously agreed five years ago to extend its framework to state-level elections.
”This became necessary given the tensions and incidents of violence during previous elections,” Amupitan added.
To reassure voters, Amupitan outlined INEC’s comprehensive logistical preparations for the election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The commission has finalized the deployment of 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units and hundreds of collation centres statewide.
He assured citizens that voters should expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics.
The commission has also approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters and extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, November 2, to ensure maximum participation.
On security, the INEC Chairman confirmed that the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) had implemented robust measures.
The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will contribute 10,250 personnel to secure polling units, collation centres, and strategic locations across the state.
Amupitan also reiterated INEC’s commitment to combating vote-buying and electoral malpractice, warning that individuals or groups attempting to subvert the will of the people would face the full force of the law.
With the Peace Accord in place, robust security arrangements, and the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society stakeholders, the INEC Chairman expressed confidence that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election would be both peaceful and successful.
“Let us work together to ensure that this election is remembered not for division or discord, but for unity and the pursuit of common goals. Anambra State can serve as a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values,” he said.
The Peace Accord was signed by all 16 participating political parties and their candidates, demonstrating a collective commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process.
