INEC Chairman Assures Credible, Inclusive Anambra Governorship Election, Urges Voters To Overcome Apathy
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deliver a credible, inclusive, and transparent governorship election in Anambra State on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan appealed to voters to turn out en masse, warning that “the greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy.”
The INEC Chairman expressed concern over the persistent decline in voter participation in the state, revealing that turnout stood at 25.5% in 2013, dropped to 20.1% in 2017, and fell sharply to just 10.27% in the 2021 governorship election.
He urged all eligible voters to “come out and exercise their civic right without fear or favour,” stressing that “democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders.”
Prof. Amupitan also reported significant improvement in voter preparedness, noting that 98.8% of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been collected following an extended distribution period. “The response from voters has been excellent, and we are pleased with the level of engagement,” he said.
In its commitment to inclusivity, the Commission announced a partnership with TAFAfrica for the deployment of Sign Language Interpreters across polling units. This initiative, Amupitan said, would ensure that the 3,456 registered voters living with disabilities in Anambra can fully participate in the electoral process.
On logistics, the INEC Chairman confirmed that all 5,718 polling units would open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m., with over 24,000 trained ad hoc personnel and 6,879 BVAS devices deployed across the state.
He also disclosed that 45,000 police officers would provide election security, assuring voters that “neutrality is guaranteed” and that “impunity will not be tolerated.”
Prof. Amupitan concluded with a direct message to voters, saying “You have collected your PVCs, security will protect you, and INEC is ready for you. So, come out on Saturday, November 8 — vote freely, vote peacefully, vote proudly.”
