By Ovat Abeng
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has expressed it readiness to conduct a transparent, credible, free and fair November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.
It readiness was contained in a release presented by Mr Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), during a one-day interactive session with media executives, reporters, producers and on-air personalities ahead of the election, held at La-Luna Hotel in Awka on Tuesday.
According to Olumekun, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) INEC Headquarters Abuja, Mr Wilfred Efogah, “It is s a great pleasure to be here once again as we gather under the canopy of partnership and shared purpose, the purpose of strengthening our democracy through credible information and responsible communication.
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“This forum for media executives and on-air personalities is not just another event in the build-up to the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. It is, more importantly, a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media, our indispensable partners in nation-building.
“Let me begin by appreciating the media for your professionalism and balanced reportage during the recent by-election in the state.
“You upheld the ethics of journalism, resisted sensationalism, and ensured that facts, not falsehoods, guided public understanding. For this, the Commission says thank you. Your work continues to serve as the oxygen of democracy, enlightening citizens, holding institutions accountable, and bridging the gap between the governed and those who govern. As society’s mirror, the media reflects our collective conscience.
“In elections, your role becomes even more sacred. You are the interpreters of the electoral process, helping citizens understand not just how to vote, but why their participation matters.
“Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed. To be well-informed, they must have access to accurate, timely, and balanced information. That is why the Commission continues to count on you to amplify voter education messages, combat misinformation, and keep the public engaged with truth and context.
“Permit me to assure you that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully prepared for the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election on November 8, 2025. In line with our commitment to credible and inclusive elections, the Commission has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.The Commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements.
“This week, the Commission will be in Anambra State for a week-long readiness assessment visit. The visit will feature meetings with key stakeholders, including the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and a mock accreditation exercise, and an overall review of preparations.
“Permit me to also inform you that Permanent Voter Cards from the recently conducted CVR exercise in Anambra state are ready for collection. Starting from Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th October 2025, Anambrarians who registered within the last exercise are encouraged to visit the Wards where they registered to collect their PVCs.
“I must emphasis that there will be no collection by proxy. We seek your support in this regards to help mobilise registrants through your various platforms to pick up these PVCs in order to participate in the November 8 election.
“As preparations intensify, we must address one of the biggest threats to electoral integrity: fake news and misinformation. False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust. We all have a duty to work together to stop the spread of such harmful content. I therefore call on the media, particularly editors, news producers, and on-air personalities, to verify before amplifying.
The Commission wishes to reiterate that there will be no late submissions or extension of time for accreditation.Those who have not yet applied are encouraged to do so within the remaining timeframe. Accreditation ensures that journalists are properly identified, have access to designated areas, and can discharge their duties with the full cooperation of the Commission.
“In conclusion, let me reaffirm that INEC’s partnership with the media is not transactional; it is foundational. We are united by a shared belief that democracy must be protected, not only at the polling units, but also in the minds of citizens who rely on information to make informed choices. Together, let us ensure that the Anambra Governorship Election of 2025 becomes another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, peaceful, transparent, and credible,” Olumekun stated.
Also in attendence, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, Anambra NUJ Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, HOD, ICT/VR, Emeka Nnaji, HOD legal, Mrs Olachi Nwuko and HOD Electoral Operations, Ejikeme Ejimofor, who spoke separately assure the electorate that INEC is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible election in the state.
