Observers Laud Peaceful Conduct of Anambra Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that both domestic and international observer groups have praised the conduct of the recent Anambra State Governorship Election, describing the electoral process as transparent, orderly, and largely peaceful.
INEC's Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Dayo Oketola, confirmed these positive assessments in an official statement released from the Commission's Situation Room on Saturday. According to the statement, reports from accredited observer missions indicated smooth operations across polling units, improved voter turnout, and efficient deployment of election materials and technology.
International Observers Applaud INEC's Professionalism
Ambassador Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, one of the accredited international observer groups, specifically commended INEC's preparedness and professionalism. He noted that the coordination of voting materials, BVAS deployment, and security agencies was exceptionally well handled.
"The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient," Dr. Nkweke stated while monitoring polling units in Awka.
The international observer also praised the conduct of security agencies, highlighting that "the environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary." Regarding allegations of vote buying, he clarified that his team had not witnessed any such incidents in the areas they monitored.
Early Arrival and Efficient Operations
Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, applauded the early arrival of materials and personnel, noting that voting commenced on schedule across many polling units. "Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South," she reported.
Mbamalu emphasized that the commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, demonstrated a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC. She described the early deployment as a positive indicator of transparent elections.
Local officials echoed these sentiments, with Hon. Dominic Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency, commending both INEC and voters after casting his vote at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu. "I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far," he stated.
Record PVC Collection Signals Voter Confidence
Observers have linked the smooth conduct of the election to INEC's extensive pre-election preparations. The Commission achieved a remarkable 98.8 percent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate, reflecting exceptional voter readiness and growing public confidence in the electoral process.
Out of 2,802,790 registered voters, an impressive 2,769,137 collected their PVCs. This achievement was made possible through decentralized, community-level distribution and a five-day extension from October 29 to November 2, 2025.
Several locations, including Ugbene in Awka North, Alor I, Bridge Head II, Ogbunike I & II, and Umunya I & II, recorded perfect 100 percent collection rates. Even rural and riverine communities such as Ayamelum and Anambra West achieved over 99 percent despite difficult terrain.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to credible and inclusive elections, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere across the state. "Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful," the Chairman affirmed.
