The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deliver a peaceful and credible governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking during the signing of the Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Abuja on Monday, Professor Amupitan commended the Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), for its unwavering efforts in promoting non-violence and national unity during elections.
He explained that extending the Peace Accord initiative to off-cycle governorship elections has significantly reduced electoral tension and violence across the country. “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. This became necessary given the tensions and violence that have accompanied some past elections,” the INEC Chairman stated.
Professor Amupitan, however, cautioned that the peace pledge must go beyond symbolic signatures. “It is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” he said, urging all 16 participating political parties and their candidates to promote peaceful conduct among their supporters.
Highlighting INEC’s preparedness, the Chairman disclosed that the Commission has concluded detailed deployment plans for 24,000 personnel and election materials across the state’s 5,718 polling units and multiple collation centres. He assured voters of improved Election Day logistics, adding that the final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters has been approved, with the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) extended until Sunday, November 2, to encourage greater participation.
On election security, Professor Amupitan revealed that the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has implemented a comprehensive security framework. He confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will contribute 10,250 officers to secure polling locations and collation centres.
He further warned against vote-buying and electoral malpractice, stressing that INEC will not hesitate to sanction offenders. “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.
Professor Amupitan expressed optimism that with the combined efforts of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will set a new benchmark for transparency and peace.
He concluded with a call for collective responsibility: “Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals. Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra State is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.”
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