Awka | November 6, 2025
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across Anambra State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The distribution exercise, which began on Thursday morning at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka, was supervised by INEC officials, security agencies, and representatives of political parties participating in the poll.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed the development, stating that the materials were being moved to all 21 local government areas (LGAs) under tight security.
“We have started the distribution of election materials, including ballot papers, result sheets, and other logistics, to ensure timely delivery to all local government offices. Our goal is to guarantee smooth, credible, and transparent elections,” Agwu said.
Security Tightened Across the State
Security agencies have stepped up operations across major routes in Anambra to escort INEC materials and personnel to their destinations. The Nigeria Police Force, Army, Civil Defence, and Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly deployed additional officers to secure the transportation and storage of sensitive materials.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Aderemi Adeoye, said the security agencies are fully prepared to ensure peace and safety during the election period.
“We have made adequate arrangements to secure election materials and personnel. Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the process will face the full weight of the law,” Adeoye warned.
Residents in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and other parts of the state confirmed seeing increased patrols and roadblocks as part of pre-election security measures.
INEC Pledges Transparent, Credible Process
INEC officials reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, stressing that logistics challenges experienced in past elections have been addressed.
Dr. Agwu revealed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other electoral technologies have been fully tested ahead of the poll.
“We have conducted functionality checks on the BVAS machines and trained our ad-hoc staff adequately. INEC is ready, and we urge voters to come out peacefully to exercise their civic rights,” she said.
She also confirmed that the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) will be operational for real-time transmission of results from polling units to enhance transparency.
Political Parties and Observers Present
Representatives of major political parties — including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) — were present during the distribution to monitor the process.
Party agents expressed satisfaction with INEC’s preparedness, while urging the commission to maintain neutrality throughout the exercise.
Local and international observers, including delegations from the European Union (EU) and Civil Society Situation Room, were also on ground to observe logistics and compliance with electoral procedures.
Voter Education and Logistics Preparedness
INEC said it has completed the deployment of electoral officers, ad-hoc staff, and materials to all registration areas and polling units. The commission has also carried out voter sensitization campaigns in partnership with civil society groups and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
According to INEC’s logistics timeline, all materials are expected to arrive at their final destinations before Friday evening, allowing for early commencement of the polls on Saturday.
“Every polling unit in Anambra will receive materials and personnel on time. Our teams are under strict instruction to avoid delays and ensure efficiency,” the REC emphasized.
High Expectations Ahead of the Poll
The Anambra governorship election is being closely watched across Nigeria, as it is expected to serve as a test of INEC’s preparedness for future state and national elections.
Political analysts say the contest is likely to be keenly fought among leading candidates from APGA, PDP, APC, and LP.
Voter turnout and the smooth use of technology are also expected to shape public confidence in the electoral process.
As the countdown to election day continues, INEC has appealed to all stakeholders — political parties, security agencies, media, and voters — to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold democratic values.
“Elections are a collective responsibility. We urge all Anambra citizens to participate peacefully and let their votes count,” Dr. Agwu said.
