By John Umeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to deploy about 24,000 ad hoc personnel across 5,718 polling units in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Saturday at the INEC headquarters in Awka, the National Commissioner supervising Anambra and Chairman of the Tenders Board Committee, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, said the commission is fully prepared to ensure a credible, transparent, and inclusive election process.
According to Ikeagu, the deployment covers all categories of ad hoc staff, while 540 journalists have also been accredited to report on the poll. He noted that INEC has put in place a detailed operational plan covering logistics, training, security coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the use of election technology.
To test its readiness, the commission conducted a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday across selected polling units in the three senatorial districts of the state — Anambra Central, North, and South.
In Anambra Central, the mock exercise took place in Awka South (Amawbia II – Igwedimma Primary School I & II) and Idemili North (Nkpor II – Ububa Village Square, Ifeadigo Hall). In the North, it was conducted in Oyi (Nteje III & IV – Girls Secondary School, State Primary School) and Anambra East (Aguleri II – Central School, Umunoke Public Square I). For the South, Aguata (Ekwulobia I & II – Central School, Urban Girls Secondary School) and Orumba North (Ajalli I – Primary School, RCM KDT School) hosted the trial.
Dr. Ikeagu said the purpose of the exercise was to test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), evaluate the speed of accreditation, and assess the real-time uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
“The mock exercise was successful,” he reported. “Accreditation took less than six minutes per voter, and the entire voting process concluded in under forty minutes. This shows the system’s improved efficiency and readiness for the main election.”
On logistics, Ikeagu assured that adequate arrangements have been made to prevent late arrival of materials, especially to riverine communities. “We have already released funds for the boats that will convey officials and materials to difficult terrains,” he said. “Materials will begin movement by Thursday afternoon to ensure everything is in place before election day.”
He further revealed that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across wards would end on Sunday, October 26, unless INEC’s headquarters directs otherwise. Although the final number of collected PVCs is yet to be determined, the figures will be announced at the conclusion of the exercise.
“We are confident in the level of voter awareness and preparedness across the state,” he added. “Anambra people are well-informed and ready to participate. Voting will commence at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., and anyone on the queue before the close of polls will be allowed to cast their vote.”
Dr. Ikeagu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in conducting the election. “Our focus is on transparency and ensuring every valid vote counts,” he stated.
After inspecting the mock exercise, officials expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved so far and commended both INEC staff and residents for their cooperation and orderliness.
The commission also appealed to voters to remain peaceful, patient, and law-abiding as the state prepares for the crucial poll.
Sixteen candidates from different political parties are contesting in the election, including the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking a second term in office.
