The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 6,879 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) have been configured and are ready for deployment in the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for Saturday.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, made this announcement during the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election Stakeholders’ Meeting, held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Memorial Centre in Awka on Tuesday. According to Amupitan, out of the 13 activities outlined for the election, 11 have been successfully completed. The commission has published the names of all 16 candidates participating in the election, emphasizing that only those whose names appear on the list will be allowed to participate.
The INEC chairman also announced that approximately 3,456 persons with disabilities will be exercising their right to vote. Furthermore, 6,829 BVAS have been deployed and configured, and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) is ready to upload results in real-time, ensuring the winner is announced without delay. Amupitan expressed his commitment to measuring his credibility as INEC chairman through the successful conduct of the election.
As of now, 11 out of the 13 scheduled activities have been implemented, with the remaining two milestones being the end of campaigns on Thursday, November 6, 2025, and Election Day on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The commission has published the final list of candidates, and in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, political parties have retained the right to replace candidates who voluntarily withdrew.
Following the conclusion of the voter registration exercise, the commission approved a final register of 2,802,790 voters for this election. A total of 168,187 new registrations were recorded, and after the mandatory display for claims and objections, 140,370 valid new voters were added to the register. Additionally, 5,983 transfers were approved, and political parties have received soft copies of the Register of Voters.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police Benjamin Okolo, assured that the police will maintain a civil conduct during the election, emphasizing that violence and inducement will not be tolerated. He encouraged political parties and candidates to persuade voters rather than resorting to provocation.
The supervising national commissioner and Chairman Tenders Board committee, Dr. Ken Ukeagu, confirmed that the systems for the election are ready, with 114 domestic observers accredited and 76 media organizations registered. Ukeagu stressed the importance of voters having their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ready, as they will not be allowed to vote without them. Approximately 24,000 ad-hoc staff have been trained and are ready for the exercise.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Anambra State, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that everything is in place for Saturday’s governorship election, ensuring a smooth and credible process. With all preparations in place, the stage is set for a successful election in Anambra State.