INEC Pledges Commitment to Conducting Credible, Inclusive Guber Poll in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state has assured its preparedness to conduct peaceful, free, fair and credible election come November 8, 2025.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Elizabeth Agu made the call while hosting Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Ugochi Ehiahuruike who was in her office with her team on advocacy visit

The visit, part of the implementation of Project IMPACT – Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation, was aimed at securing INEC’s partnership on information sharing, combating disinformation and enhancing inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The initiative is implemented by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in partnership with SIDEC, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The REC also pledged commitment of the electoral umpire to inclusivity.

She condemned campaigns of calumny by some political actors and urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace.

“Form EC40H for PWDs has always been and will still be made available during the November 8 governorship election.

PWDs are our number one priority because we don’t want to leave anyone behind.

“Conducting elections is a collective responsibility. While INEC is poised to do right, other stakeholders must replicate that by playing according to rules.

“We all must prioritize peace. That is why we will not allow fake news to derail the process. I appeal to politicians to play the game according to its rules.”

Agu further revealed soon availability of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for new registrants and those who transferred their polling units.

“Voter’s cards for those who registered or changed polling units during the last CVR will be available very soon. When these cards come out, let our people go and collect it.

“I appeal to Ndi Anambra to find time out of their tight schedules to collect their PVCs because that is the power to vote.

“I appeal to government to help us disseminate the information across the state. SIDEC can equally assist in this regard.”

On women’s participation, the REC urged women to prepare themselves adequately for leadership roles.

“If you prepare yourself for leadership, no one will look down on you. You can compete favourably with men.

“INEC is ready to conduct a peaceful, free, fair and credible election come November 8. 2025. I call on all stakeholders to shun violence and give peace a chance in Anambra.

Earlier, SIDEC boss had stressed that inclusive elections were vital to Nigeria’s democracy.

She appealed to INEC to ensure availability and proper utilization of Form EC40H for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

“We seek the partnership of INEC, Anambra State, in ensuring an inclusive electoral process for the forthcoming election, focusing on the needs of marginalized groups, particularly PWDs,” she said.

She further called for collaboration on voter education campaigns, especially at the grassroots level.

“We propose joint voter education efforts targeting women, youth, and PWDs in Anambra State, utilizing grassroots networks like the 15 selected markets under Project IMPACT.”

Ehiahuruike urged INEC to make all polling units accessible to PWDs and to prioritize vulnerable voters in line with the Electoral Act.

“We plead with INEC to ensure that all polling units are accessible to voters with disabilities on election day, addressing physical barriers and providing necessary support.

“In line with the Electoral Act, we also solicit that priority attention and support be given to vulnerable voters.”

She also highlighted the danger of misinformation, disinformation and fake news, which had previously discouraged voter turnout.

“We seek INEC’s collaboration in the area of countering disinformation. Joint efforts are needed to mitigate disinformation affecting PWDs and marginalized groups.

“Under Project IMPACT, we shall constitute ‘Community Truth Ambassadors’ and solicit INEC’s cooperation in terms of making useful information available promptly as part of our fact-checking efforts.”

According to her, Project IMPACT is designed to reduce apathy and increase the participation of women, youth, and PWDs in Anambra and Imo States.

“PWDs, women, and youth face significant barriers to political participation. For instance, Anambra’s 2021 gubernatorial election saw 10% turnout; Project IMPACT aims to increase this to at least 25% through inclusive strategies.”

The project focuses on promoting democratic participation through market-based voter education, digital campaigns, and policy advocacy, including ongoing campaigns for special seats for women in the Anambra State Assembly.

“On-going advocacy for special seats for women will undoubtedly enhance women’s representation from 2 out of 30 in the Anambra State Assembly. We believe collaboration with INEC Anambra State will strengthen Project IMPACT’s efforts toward a more inclusive election.”