By Ese Oghenegueke
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has declared that the Commission is determined to deliver a credible, inclusive, and transparent election in Anambra State this Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference held today, Thursday, 6th November 2025, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman made a passionate appeal to voters, stating that “the greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy.”
Professor Amupitan revealed a worrying historical slide in voter participation in the state. “In the 2013 Governorship Election, turnout was only 25.5%. In 2017, it dropped further to 20.10%. In 2021, the situation deteriorated sharply with a mere 10.27% turnout,” he disclosed. He urged every eligible person in Anambra to “come out and exercise their civic right without fear or favour,” emphasizing that “democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders.”
In a significant announcement, the Chairman reported a major success in voter preparedness, with the percentage of collected PVCs now standing at an “impressive 98.80%.” This followed an extension of the PVC collection period, which he said yielded “excellent results.”
The press conference also highlighted a landmark decision for inclusion. The Commission has partnered with TAFAfrica to approve the deployment of Sign Language Interpreters across polling units. This move will enable the 3,456 registered voters living with disabilities in Anambra State to fully exercise their civic rights.
On logistical readiness, the Chairman assured that all 5,718 polling units must open simultaneously at 8:30a.m, backed by the deployment of over 24,000 trained ad hoc personnel and 6,879 BVAS devices. He confirmed that 45,000 police officers would be deployed for security, assuring that “neutrality is guaranteed” and “impunity will not be tolerated.”
Professor Amupitan concluded with a direct message to 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.”
