By mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a credible, transparent, and inclusive governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, gave the assurance on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at a Forum for Media Executives, Reporters, Producers, and On-Air Personalities held at La-Luna Hotel, Awka.
Olumekun described the media as “indispensable partners in nation-building” and commended journalists for their balanced and professional coverage during the recent by-election in the state.
“You upheld the ethics of journalism, resisted sensationalism, and ensured that facts, not falsehoods, guided public understanding. For this, the Commission says thank you. Your work continues to serve as the oxygen of democracy,” he said.
The IVEC Chairman noted that the media’s role during elections was “sacred,” emphasizing that democracy thrives only when citizens are well-informed through access to accurate, timely, and balanced information.
INEC’s preparedness, Olumekun disclosed that all non-sensitive materials for the Anambra governorship poll had already been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials would arrive in due course under tight security arrangements.
He said the Commission was currently undertaking a week-long readiness assessment visit in the state, featuring engagements with key stakeholders, including the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and mock accreditation exercises to evaluate operational efficiency.
INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State,” Olumekun affirmed.
The National Commissioner also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise were now ready for collection.
“From Wednesday, October 22, to Sunday, October 26, 2025, Anambra residents who registered during the last CVR exercise are encouraged to visit the wards where they registered to collect their PVCs. There will be no collection by proxy,” he stated.
He urged media professionals to help sensitize the public and mobilize eligible voters to pick up their PVCs and participate actively in the upcoming election.
Olumekun cautioned journalists against amplifying unverified reports that could mislead voters and undermine public confidence.
“False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust.
“I therefore call on the media, particularly editors, news producers, and on-air personalities, to verify before amplifying. Let truth remain your only compass,” he advised.
He reminded participants that “a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes,” urging them to ensure that truth “runs faster this election season.”
The INEC Commissioner reminded journalists that the online accreditation portal for the Anambra Governorship Election opened since September 1, 2025 will close by midnight on Thursday, October 24, 2025, with no extension or late submission allowed.
He explained that accreditation would ensure that journalists are properly identified and granted access to designated areas during election coverage.
“Beginning Monday, November 3, 2025, accredited journalists can collect their accreditation tags from the NUJ Secretariat, Awka. Each tag will contain a unique barcode that can be scanned by security agencies to instantly display the journalist’s details,” Olumekun said.
He noted, this innovation, would enhance access control and strengthen security around election venues and facilities.
He further disclosed that the list of accredited journalists for the State Collation Centre would be shared with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and security agencies for proper coordination and safety during result collation.
Olumekun emphasized that INEC’s partnership with the media was not transactional but “foundational.”
“We are united by a shared belief that democracy must be protected not only at the polling units but also in the minds of citizens who rely on information to make informed choices,” he said.
He called on all media practitioners to continue playing their pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability, ensuring that the Anambra Governorship Election of 2025 becomes “another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey peaceful, transparent, and credible.”
