PROTOCOLS
The National Commissioners
Directors
Distinguished Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I stand before you today after three intense days engaging with all the stakeholders in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025 Off off-cycle governorship Election. Eight other National Commissioners and several RECs and Directors were also present during the engagements. Our mission was to ensure that every vote counts, that the will of the people prevails, and that the electoral process is both peaceful and credible.
2. From the solemn Signing of the Peace Accord under the guidance of the National Peace Committee, to our crucial security meetings and the comprehensive Election Stakeholders’ Meeting on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, one simple message echoed consistently: Anambra must demonstrate the strength of its democracy by voting massively and peacefully this Saturday, November 8, 2025. At the Peace Accord, we reminded all political parties and candidates that peace is not the signatures inked on a document; it is the commitment to honour its content. Without peace, our logistics will collapse, our personnel and materials will be endangered, and the credibility of the election will be threatened. My deepest thanks go to the National Peace Committee for this vital, sustained intervention.
3. During the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting, we stressed a critical truth: the greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy. With a register of 2,802,790 eligible voters, Anambra has the numbers to powerfully shape its own destiny. However, the historical slide in voter participation in the state is genuinely worrying: In the 2013 Governorship Election, turnout was only 25.5% (413,005 valid votes from 1,770,125 registered). In 2017, it dropped further to 20.10% (422,314 valid votes from 2,364,134 registered). In 2021, the situation deteriorated sharply with a mere 10.27% turnout (241,523 valid votes from 2,466,638 registered). Democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders. I, therefore, urge every person in Anambra to come out and exercise their civic right without fear or favour.
4. Following the conclusion of voter registration and a thorough database clean-up, the Commission finalised a register of 2,802,790 voters for this election on September 4th, 2025. Initially, only 63.9% of voters had collected their PVCs. To close this gap, INEC extended the PVC collection period from Wednesday, 29th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025, ensuring collection centres were open across all 326 Registration Areas (Wards). I am delighted to share a success story today: that extension has yielded excellent results! The percentage of collected PVCs to registered voters now stands at an impressive 98.80%. This is a significant collection rate for any election in Nigeria, and it sends a clear signal. All uncollected cards will now be safely retrieved and stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election.
5. In a major step for inclusion, we have also partnered with TAFAfrica to approve the deployment of Sign Language Interpreters across polling units in Anambra State. This landmark decision will enable the 3,456 registered voters living with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State to fully exercise their civic rights—a move TAFAfrica has rightly praised as historic.
6. Beyond access, the Commission is tackling deployment with a rigor that will leave no room for excuses. All 5,718 polling units must open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. We are deploying the BVAS for accurate accreditation and result upload to IReV. More than 24,000 trained ad hoc personnel are on standby, with 6,879 BVAS devices fully tested, configured, and backed up. Over 3,000 vehicles and 83 boats, supported by security escorts, will guarantee timely movement, particularly to our riverine communities. Our Situation Room in Abuja will be monitoring field operations live to ensure rapid response to any challenge. The era of delayed polling unit openings must remain firmly behind us.
7. On security, the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, supported by the NSCDC and other agencies under ICCES. I assure you: Neutrality is guaranteed. Impunity will not be tolerated.
8. To demonstrate our unwavering commitment to flawless delivery, four National Commissioners have remained in Anambra to personally supervise the election, supported by ten Resident Electoral Commissioners specially deployed from across the country. Please note that registered voters in the six Registration Areas facing some security challenges in Ihiala Local Government will vote safely and securely in the Local Government secretariat, protected by security agencies.
9. As a Commission, we are determined to deliver an election that is credible, inclusive, transparent, and efficiently executed. Anyone attempting violence, vote-buying, intimidation, or ballot interference will face swift, lawful consequences. And to the voters — you have collected your PVCs, Security will protect you, and INEC is ready for you. So, come out on Saturday, 8th November, vote freely, vote peacefully, vote proudly.
10. By God’s grace and the courage of the people, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful, credible, and a true victory for democracy. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
11. May i use this medium to remind us of the FCT Area Council election that will take place in February next year. Out of the 13 activities published, we have accomplished 8 and we are on the ninth, which is the submission of the names of the polling agents and Observers for the election. This activity would end on 15th December, 2025. We would like all political parties and other stakeholders to take note of the deadline.
Thank you.
Professor Joash O Amupitan, SAN,
INEC Chairman
6th November 2025
AN ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), PROFESSOR JOASH OJO AMUPITAN, SAN, AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 2025 ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION HELD AT THE INEC HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, 6TH NOVEMBER 2025
PROTOCOLS
The National Commissioners
Directors
Distinguished Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I stand before you today after three intense days engaging with all the stakeholders in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025 Off off-cycle governorship Election. Eight other National Commissioners and several RECs and Directors were also present during the engagements. Our mission was to ensure that every vote counts, that the will of the people prevails, and that the electoral process is both peaceful and credible.
2. From the solemn Signing of the Peace Accord under the guidance of the National Peace Committee, to our crucial security meetings and the comprehensive Election Stakeholders’ Meeting on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, one simple message echoed consistently: Anambra must demonstrate the strength of its democracy by voting massively and peacefully this Saturday, November 8, 2025. At the Peace Accord, we reminded all political parties and candidates that peace is not the signatures inked on a document; it is the commitment to honour its content. Without peace, our logistics will collapse, our personnel and materials will be endangered, and the credibility of the election will be threatened. My deepest thanks go to the National Peace Committee for this vital, sustained intervention.
3. During the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting, we stressed a critical truth: the greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy. With a register of 2,802,790 eligible voters, Anambra has the numbers to powerfully shape its own destiny. However, the historical slide in voter participation in the state is genuinely worrying: In the 2013 Governorship Election, turnout was only 25.5% (413,005 valid votes from 1,770,125 registered). In 2017, it dropped further to 20.10% (422,314 valid votes from 2,364,134 registered). In 2021, the situation deteriorated sharply with a mere 10.27% turnout (241,523 valid votes from 2,466,638 registered). Democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders. I, therefore, urge every person in Anambra to come out and exercise their civic right without fear or favour.
4. Following the conclusion of voter registration and a thorough database clean-up, the Commission finalised a register of 2,802,790 voters for this election on September 4th, 2025. Initially, only 63.9% of voters had collected their PVCs. To close this gap, INEC extended the PVC collection period from Wednesday, 29th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025, ensuring collection centres were open across all 326 Registration Areas (Wards). I am delighted to share a success story today: that extension has yielded excellent results! The percentage of collected PVCs to registered voters now stands at an impressive 98.80%. This is a significant collection rate for any election in Nigeria, and it sends a clear signal. All uncollected cards will now be safely retrieved and stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election.
5. In a major step for inclusion, we have also partnered with TAFAfrica to approve the deployment of Sign Language Interpreters across polling units in Anambra State. This landmark decision will enable the 3,456 registered voters living with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State to fully exercise their civic rights—a move TAFAfrica has rightly praised as historic.
6. Beyond access, the Commission is tackling deployment with a rigor that will leave no room for excuses. All 5,718 polling units must open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. We are deploying the BVAS for accurate accreditation and result upload to IReV. More than 24,000 trained ad hoc personnel are on standby, with 6,879 BVAS devices fully tested, configured, and backed up. Over 3,000 vehicles and 83 boats, supported by security escorts, will guarantee timely movement, particularly to our riverine communities. Our Situation Room in Abuja will be monitoring field operations live to ensure rapid response to any challenge. The era of delayed polling unit openings must remain firmly behind us.
7. On security, the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, supported by the NSCDC and other agencies under ICCES. I assure you: Neutrality is guaranteed. Impunity will not be tolerated.
8. To demonstrate our unwavering commitment to flawless delivery, four National Commissioners have remained in Anambra to personally supervise the election, supported by ten Resident Electoral Commissioners specially deployed from across the country. Please note that registered voters in the six Registration Areas facing some security challenges in Ihiala Local Government will vote safely and securely in the Local Government secretariat, protected by security agencies.
9. As a Commission, we are determined to deliver an election that is credible, inclusive, transparent, and efficiently executed. Anyone attempting violence, vote-buying, intimidation, or ballot interference will face swift, lawful consequences. And to the voters — you have collected your PVCs, Security will protect you, and INEC is ready for you. So, come out on Saturday, 8th November, vote freely, vote peacefully, vote proudly.
10. By God’s grace and the courage of the people, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful, credible, and a true victory for democracy. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
11. May i use this medium to remind us of the FCT Area Council election that will take place in February next year. Out of the 13 activities published, we have accomplished 8 and we are on the ninth, which is the submission of the names of the polling agents and Observers for the election. This activity would end on 15th December, 2025. We would like all political parties and other stakeholders to take note of the deadline.
Thank you.
Professor Joash O Amupitan, SAN,
INEC Chairman
6th November 2025
AN ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), PROFESSOR JOASH OJO AMUPITAN, SAN, AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 2025 ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION HELD AT THE INEC HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, 6TH NOVEMBER 2025
PROTOCOLS
The National Commissioners
Directors
Distinguished Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I stand before you today after three intense days engaging with all the stakeholders in Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025 Off off-cycle governorship Election. Eight other National Commissioners and several RECs and Directors were also present during the engagements. Our mission was to ensure that every vote counts, that the will of the people prevails, and that the electoral process is both peaceful and credible.
2. From the solemn Signing of the Peace Accord under the guidance of the National Peace Committee, to our crucial security meetings and the comprehensive Election Stakeholders’ Meeting on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, one simple message echoed consistently: Anambra must demonstrate the strength of its democracy by voting massively and peacefully this Saturday, November 8, 2025. At the Peace Accord, we reminded all political parties and candidates that peace is not the signatures inked on a document; it is the commitment to honour its content. Without peace, our logistics will collapse, our personnel and materials will be endangered, and the credibility of the election will be threatened. My deepest thanks go to the National Peace Committee for this vital, sustained intervention.
3. During the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting, we stressed a critical truth: the greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy. With a register of 2,802,790 eligible voters, Anambra has the numbers to powerfully shape its own destiny. However, the historical slide in voter participation in the state is genuinely worrying: In the 2013 Governorship Election, turnout was only 25.5% (413,005 valid votes from 1,770,125 registered). In 2017, it dropped further to 20.10% (422,314 valid votes from 2,364,134 registered). In 2021, the situation deteriorated sharply with a mere 10.27% turnout (241,523 valid votes from 2,466,638 registered). Democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders. I, therefore, urge every person in Anambra to come out and exercise their civic right without fear or favour.
4. Following the conclusion of voter registration and a thorough database clean-up, the Commission finalised a register of 2,802,790 voters for this election on September 4th, 2025. Initially, only 63.9% of voters had collected their PVCs. To close this gap, INEC extended the PVC collection period from Wednesday, 29th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025, ensuring collection centres were open across all 326 Registration Areas (Wards). I am delighted to share a success story today: that extension has yielded excellent results! The percentage of collected PVCs to registered voters now stands at an impressive 98.80%. This is a significant collection rate for any election in Nigeria, and it sends a clear signal. All uncollected cards will now be safely retrieved and stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election.
5. In a major step for inclusion, we have also partnered with TAFAfrica to approve the deployment of Sign Language Interpreters across polling units in Anambra State. This landmark decision will enable the 3,456 registered voters living with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State to fully exercise their civic rights—a move TAFAfrica has rightly praised as historic.
6. Beyond access, the Commission is tackling deployment with a rigor that will leave no room for excuses. All 5,718 polling units must open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. We are deploying the BVAS for accurate accreditation and result upload to IReV. More than 24,000 trained ad hoc personnel are on standby, with 6,879 BVAS devices fully tested, configured, and backed up. Over 3,000 vehicles and 83 boats, supported by security escorts, will guarantee timely movement, particularly to our riverine communities. Our Situation Room in Abuja will be monitoring field operations live to ensure rapid response to any challenge. The era of delayed polling unit openings must remain firmly behind us.
7. On security, the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, supported by the NSCDC and other agencies under ICCES. I assure you: Neutrality is guaranteed. Impunity will not be tolerated.
8. To demonstrate our unwavering commitment to flawless delivery, four National Commissioners have remained in Anambra to personally supervise the election, supported by ten Resident Electoral Commissioners specially deployed from across the country. Please note that registered voters in the six Registration Areas facing some security challenges in Ihiala Local Government will vote safely and securely in the Local Government secretariat, protected by security agencies.
9. As a Commission, we are determined to deliver an election that is credible, inclusive, transparent, and efficiently executed. Anyone attempting violence, vote-buying, intimidation, or ballot interference will face swift, lawful consequences. And to the voters — you have collected your PVCs, Security will protect you, and INEC is ready for you. So, come out on Saturday, 8th November, vote freely, vote peacefully, vote proudly.
10. By God’s grace and the courage of the people, the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful, credible, and a true victory for democracy. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
11. May i use this medium to remind us of the FCT Area Council election that will take place in February next year. Out of the 13 activities published, we have accomplished 8 and we are on the ninth, which is the submission of the names of the polling agents and Observers for the election. This activity would end on 15th December, 2025. We would like all political parties and other stakeholders to take note of the deadline.
Thank you.
Professor Joash O Amupitan, SAN,
INEC Chairman
6th November 2025