…INEC to deploy 24,000 personnel
By Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to clamp down on vote buying and other electoral malpractices during the forthcoming Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, emphasizing that integrity, security, and credibility will define the process.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, made this declaration during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The operational review session, co-chaired with the National Security Adviser (NSA), brought together heads of security, intelligence, and other law enforcement agencies.
Prof. Amupitan described vote buying as “a menace contaminating the soul of Nigeria’s democracy,” warning that any attempt to induce voters before or during the election would be met with firm resistance.
He commended the collaboration between INEC and law enforcement agencies, especially the anti-graft institutions, to combat vote buying and other electoral crimes.
He stressed: “Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate during the Anambra election.
“Together, let us combat vote buying, uphold the values of democracy, and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections. The path ahead may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
Prof. Amupitan also disclosed that 24,000 personnel will be deployed across 5,718 polling units in the state, noting that voting would not take place in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.
Results, he added, would be collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government area collation centres, and the final state collation centre in Awka.
The INEC Chairman explained that a Mock Accreditation Exercise had recently been conducted in 12 polling units across six local government areas of the state using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
While minor network challenges were observed, he assured that all identified issues were being addressed ahead of full deployment on Election Day.
The Commission also approved an extension of the collection period following reports that only 63.9% of registered voters in Anambra had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Initially scheduled to end on Sunday, October 26, the exercise will now continue from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, across all 326 registration areas (wards) in the state.
“Our mandate is to conduct credible elections, and we are determined that no eligible voter should be left behind,” Prof. Amupitan affirmed.
He also revealed that INEC had finalized agreements with major transport unions including the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) for the deployment of election materials and personnel.
A total of 200 buses and 83 boats have been secured to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, especially in riverine communities.
Prof. Amupitan urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in the mission to deliver a credible election.
“The security agencies have been steadfast, and the Commission is fully ready. What remains is our collective resolve to make this election one that strengthens public trust and deepens our democracy,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the synergy among INEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders would ensure that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election becomes a benchmark for credible polls in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafi’u, assured INEC of the Corps’ continued partnership in election duties.
He commended the Commission and security agencies for their assurances on the safety, welfare, and insurance coverage of corps members serving as ad hoc staff.
“Our corps members are patriotic, vibrant, and committed to credible elections.
“We appeal to the people of Anambra to treat them as their own children and ensure their safety.”
Brigadier-General Nafi’u also pledged to be physically present in Anambra during the election to oversee corps members’ welfare and protection.
