Anambra gears up for elections: Police, INEC declare readiness

Authorities in Anambra State, including the Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have declared their full readiness for the upcoming August 16 Senatorial bye-election and the November 8 governorship election.

This assurance comes as preparations intensify across the state.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Ikioye Orutugu and INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Elizabeth Agwu confirmed their preparedness in separate interviews with the press on Monday.

CP Orutugu, who chairs the Anambra State Security Committee, stated that security agencies have been holding regular meetings to analyze the security situation and proactively plan for the polls.

“Recently, we have been meeting with the INEC to fine-tune plans for the election; therefore, we are fully prepared for the elections,” he affirmed.

He emphasized that the police are collaborating extensively with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free electoral process, both before, during, and after the elections.

Orutugu also extended appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, for their support to the command, while appealing for further assistance to enhance police efficiency.

Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, the INEC REC, confirmed the Commission’s readiness for the crucial polls.

She highlighted that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began on July 8 and concludes on July 17, is specifically dedicated to the governorship election. The CVR will run daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Agwu urged all eligible voters in the state to participate en masse to register afresh or make necessary corrections to their biodata.

She clarified that new registrations must be conducted physically at designated INEC offices, while data revalidation or corrections can be done online.

“The commission will not register anybody in absentia,” she warned, also emphasizing that registrations outside approved hours will not be accepted. Preparations for the governorship election are well underway, with training for ad hoc committees already completed.

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For the impending senatorial bye-election, Agwu stated that voters will utilize their existing Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

She also announced that a separate, nationwide CVR exercise will commence immediately after the bye-election, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

INEC has configured 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) scanners for the November 8 governorship election and has finalized arrangements with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the deployment of corps members as ad hoc staff.

Agwu issued a stern warning against corruption: “INEC is not collecting money from anyone. Please do not pay anyone to be registered and do not attempt to register for anyone.”

She noted that comprehensive sensitisation programs have been conducted for stakeholders across Anambra State, as required by the Electoral Act. The commission is also collaborating closely with security agencies to pre-empt any security breaches.

“INEC has Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with transport unions across the country. They will provide logistics and we will pay them,” she told the press.

Agwu personally verified the Bimodal Voter Accreditation (BVA) machines, assuring the public of their full functionality, with the aim of conducting an election “better than the last one.”

Reassuring the populace of adequate security during both elections, Agwu encouraged full participation without fear: “Security personnel from across the country will be deployed during the elections. Please do not be afraid.”