…Praise security agencies for professionalism amid violence-free exercise
By Mercy Peter
International Observers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its transparent, efficient, and peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election
They described the process as one of the most orderly and credible in recent years.
Reports monitored from accredited observer groups at the INEC Situation Room in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oketola, indicated that the exercise was marked by improved voter turnout, seamless logistics, and a calm atmosphere across polling units in the state. Both local and international monitors hailed INEC’s effective deployment of technology and coordination under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.
Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, one of the accredited international observer groups, described INEC’s preparedness and professionalism as “exceptional,” noting that voting materials, BVAS deployment, and security arrangements were “well coordinated.”
“The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Nkweke stated while monitoring polling units in Awka.
He also praised the conduct of security personnel, saying, “The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among security agencies deserves commendation.”
Addressing concerns over alleged vote buying, Nkweke said, “We have not seen anything like that in the areas we monitored. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible.”
Civil society organisations also applauded INEC for what they described as a transparent, well-coordinated, and timely process.
Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, noted that early deployment of materials and personnel ensured that voting commenced as scheduled.
“Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South,” she said.
“Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”
Mbamalu described the early deployment as “a positive sign of transparent elections,” adding that timely commencement of polling is a key benchmark of electoral credibility.
Hon. Dominic Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency, commended INEC and voters for the smooth and peaceful process after casting his vote at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu.
“I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far,” he said.
“Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive.”
Also, the Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Mr. Shedrack Azubuike, praised INEC officials for their professionalism and efficient management of election logistics.
“The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,” he said.
In a similar vein, Mr. Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa, speaking to Channels Television, described the overall security situation as calm, crediting Anambra people for being peace-loving and vigilant.
“The security situation is not something to worry about. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” Epelle said, urging citizens to overcome apathy and participate fully in the process.
Observers linked the smooth conduct of the election to INEC’s meticulous pre-election preparations, including a record-breaking 98.8% Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate a milestone reflecting exceptional voter readiness and rising public confidence in the Commission.
Out of 2,802,790 registered voters in the state, an impressive 2,769,137 collected their PVCs a feat attributed to decentralised, community-level distribution and a five-day extension granted from October 29 to November 2, 2025.
Several areas, including Ugbene (Awka North), Alor I, Bridge Head II, Ogbunike I & II, and Umunya I & II, recorded 100% collection rates. Even rural and riverine communities such as Ayamelum and Anambra West achieved over 99%, despite challenging terrains.
Observers said these figures underscored INEC’s administrative efficiency and the growing public trust fostered under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere across the state and reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to credible and inclusive elections.
“Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful,” he said.
With reports of seamless operations, strong security coordination, and near-total PVC collection, both domestic and international observers have hailed the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and a clear testament to the renewed confidence in INEC’s leadership and electoral integrity.
