The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned against vote buying in the upcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. This warning was issued by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) focused on the Anambra Governorship Election.
Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the elections are free, fair, and credible, reflecting the genuine will of the Nigerian people. Following a comprehensive readiness assessment across the state, the Commission has confirmed its preparedness for the polls. However, it encountered network issues during a recent Mock Accreditation Exercise using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in selected polling units. Despite this, efforts are being made to ensure stress-free elections.
Regarding the election process, results will be collated at ward centers, local government area centers, and finally at the State Collation Centre in Awka. Due to a low rate of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, with only 63.9% of voters collecting their cards, INEC has decided to extend the PVC collection period in Anambra State from October 29 to November 2, 2025. This move aims to prevent the disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
To ensure the success of the election, INEC has emphasized the importance of synergy among all security agencies, particularly in maintaining the credibility of the elections. The Commission has also made arrangements with transport unions to facilitate the transportation of poll officers and sensitive materials, hiring 200 buses and 83 boats for this purpose.
Prof. Amupitan stressed the need to combat vote buying, calling on all stakeholders to work together to prevent this practice during the election. He emphasized that security agents must create an environment that does not allow vote buyers to operate, upholding the values of democracy and ensuring the credibility of the elections. With the election approaching, INEC’s efforts to prevent vote buying and ensure a smooth electoral process are critical to the integrity of the democratic process in Nigeria.