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  • Anambra poll: Observers, CSOs applaud INEC’s transparency, commend Amupitan

    Anambra poll: Observers, CSOs applaud INEC’s transparency, commend Amupitan

    International observers and civil society organisations have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they described as the transparent, efficient, and peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election, describing it as very orderly and credible polls.

    Reports from accredited observer groups, monitored in the INEC Situation Room by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Dayo Oketola, indicated smooth operations, improved voter turnout compared to 2021, and a calm atmosphere across polling units. 

    Both local and international monitors commended INEC’s logistical coordination and effective deployment of technology under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.

    Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, one of the accredited international observer groups, praised INEC’s preparedness and professionalism, noting that voting materials, BVAS deployment, and the presence of security agencies were “exceptionally well coordinated.”

    “The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr. Nkweke said while monitoring polling units in Awka.

    He also lauded the conduct of security agencies, saying, “The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation.”

    On allegations of vote buying, he noted, “We have not seen anything like that in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible.”

    Read Also: Group urges INEC to ensure votes count in 2027

    Civil society organisations have also commended INEC for what they described as a transparent, well-coordinated, and timely process.

    Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, applauded the early arrival of materials and personnel, noting that voting commenced on schedule.

    “Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South,” she said. “Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”

    Mbamalu described the early deployment as a “positive sign of transparent elections,” adding that Yiaga Africa prioritised the early start of polling as a key benchmark of credibility.

     Hon. Dominic Okafor, who represents Aguata Federal Constituency, commended INEC and voters for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election after casting his vote at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu.

    “I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far,” he said. “Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive.”

    Also speaking to newsmen, Shedrack Azubuike, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, praised INEC officials for their professionalism and efficient handling of materials and personnel.

    “The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,” he said.

    While speaking to Channels Television, Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa,  affirmed that the overall security atmosphere in the state was calm, describing Anambra people as peace-loving and self-protective.

    “The security situation is not something to worry about. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” Epelle said, urging citizens to overcome apathy and participate fully in the process.

    Observers have linked the smooth conduct of the election to INEC’s extensive pre-election preparations. 

    The Commission achieved a record 98.8% Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate, reflecting exceptional voter readiness and growing public confidence in the electoral process.

    Out of 2,802,790 registered voters, an impressive 2,769,137 collected their PVCs, a feat made possible by decentralised, community-level distribution and a five-day extension from October 29 to November 2, 2025.

    In many locations, including Ugbene (Awka North), Alor I, Bridge Head II, Ogbunike I & II, and Umunya I & II, INEC recorded 100% collection rates. Rural and riverine communities such as Ayamelum and Anambra West also achieved over 99% despite difficult terrain.

    Observers noted that the figures demonstrated INEC’s administrative efficiency and growing trust under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership.

    INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to credible and inclusive elections, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere across the state.

    “Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful,” the Chairman said.

    With reports of seamless operations, strong security coordination, and near-total PVC collection, both domestic and international observers have described the Anambra Governorship Election as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a clear testament to the renewed confidence in INEC’s leadership and electoral integrity.

  • Anambra poll

    Anambra poll

    • Decision time as voters elect their governor

    Voters in Anambra State will head to the poll tomorrow to choose their preferred candidate for a new governorship tenure that kicks in on March 17, 2026. They will decide between the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo who is seeking re-election to a second term on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform and 15 other contenders.

    Other notable contenders in the poll include Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP) and John Chuma-Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In all, 16 out of 19 registered parties currently on the roll of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are in the fray.

    Anambra governorship will be the last off-cycle poll to be conducted this year by the electoral body and the baptism for its new helmsman, Joash Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The state fell off the election cycle in 2005 when Dr. Chris Ngige was kicked out mid-tenure by the judiciary for not having been duly elected governor and Mr. Peter Obi was affirmed in his place. It also pioneered the trend that has now seen seven other states falling out of the election cycle.

    Some 2.8million voters are on INEC’s register for tomorrow’s election holding across Anambra’s 21 local government areas. Amupitan lately said the poll would be conducted in 5,718 of Anambra’s 5,720 polling units, as voting would not take place in two polling units having no registered voters. Speaking at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the helmsman explained that the commission would deploy 24,000 personnel for the election.

    Since his assumption of office in recent weeks, the INEC boss has repeatedly affirmed the commission’s readiness for the election. Speaking earlier this week during on-site inspection of the agency’s facilities in Anambra, he said: “Our responsibility is to the people of this nation. We are fully prepared to deliver an election that is fair, credible and reflective of the people’s will.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court gives Nnamdi Kanu last chance to enter defence or forfeit same

    The chairman urged all stakeholders to work for a seamless poll, cautioning against what he described as “attempts by vested interests to discredit the process” and stressing that the commission remained focused on discharging its constitutional mandate. “We are committed to carrying every stakeholder along in this process. Transparency and partnership remain the bedrock of our credibility,” he stated.

    During the visit, Amupitan directed that all election materials must arrive at polling units by 7:00am and the polling process must commence at 8:30am without delay. Counting and collation of votes, according to him, must take place in the presence of party agents and collated results must align precisely with Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) records. He gave assurance that strong security is in place to safeguard personnel, voters and materials throughout the process.

    Even though Amupitan avows personal responsibility for the Anambra election, reality is: he is relying heavily on preparations the commission has been making before he took office on October 23. But the commission’s members of the staff themselves have not shied from affirming readiness for the poll.

    They promised professionalism and efficiency of operations as would ensure smooth electoral logistics. INEC had conducted mock accreditation in Anambra East by which it tested the upgraded BVAS, with National Commissioner Kenneth Ukeagu reported saying the commission was “99 percent ready” for the poll.

    Security agencies as well declared their readiness. At the ICCES parley on Tuesday, a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Hassan Abdullahi, said robust security measures were in place to ensure a hitch-free poll. These, according to him, include “enhanced surveillance, deployment of sufficient security personnel and improved intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.”

    He urged political parties and candidates to encourage their supporters unto conduct that protects the integrity of the electoral system. “Any form of violence during the elections will be met with strong, uncompromising response,” he warned.

    Tomorrow will show the genuineness or otherwise of these upbeat claims. INEC will be measured against wider expectations regarding its preparation for the forthcoming general election, while the security agencies will prove their capacity to dispassionately keep the civil peace amidst partisan tension.

    Voters themselves must be on their best behaviour and make a reasoned choice from options on offer. It is expected that votes will count when counted, and the outcome will be a true reflection of the people’s will. May the best candidate win.

  • DIG Okolo to lead Police operations  for Anambra poll

    DIG Okolo to lead Police operations  for Anambra poll

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday confirmed that Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence, DIG Ben Okolo, is to lead the overall police team during Saturday’s Anambra governorship election. 

    Okolo is expected to coordinate all field operations in line with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olukoyode Egbetokun. 

    PSC also confirmed that Anambra State remains calm with security deployments already tightening across the state. 

    The Commission’s monitoring team, led by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Taiwo Lakanu, has arrived in Awka on Thursday to oversee police performance and ensure professionalism during the poll.

    According to the Head of Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani,  the deployment follows the visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whose two-day engagement with stakeholders in Anambra has begun yielding positive results.

    Ani said the police officers on election duty have reportedly taken full control of strategic areas across the state, maintaining visible security presence to reassure residents and deter disruptions.

    The Commission stated that its delegation to Anambra is acting within its constitutional mandate to promote credible elections by ensuring that the police, as the lead agency in internal security, perform optimally. 

    Read Also: EU deploys 687 observers to monitor Anambra Gov election

    To strengthen accountability, the PSC also released a list of dedicated hotlines for residents and observers to report misconduct or commendable behaviour of officers during the election.

    DIG Lakanu, who chairs the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the police in protecting voters, officials, and election materials. 

    He emphasised that free, fair, and credible elections can only thrive in a secured and peaceful environment, and assured that the Commission would closely monitor compliance across all local government areas.

    Ani said Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, recently deployed to coordinate the election, has designed a comprehensive operational manual to guide officers in ensuring order and transparency throughout the exercise.

    The Police Service Commission reiterated its readiness to work with security agencies and election stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process in Anambra State.

  • Abubakar, Kukah, others preach tolerance as candidates sign peace accord ahead Anambra poll

    Abubakar, Kukah, others preach tolerance as candidates sign peace accord ahead Anambra poll

    Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) has called on candidates participating in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra state to honour the principles of democracy.

    He stressed that democracy must always reflect the will of the people.

    Speaking on Monday in Awka during the signing of peace accord, Abubakar, represented by Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai, said Anambra deserved peace and stability.

    Convener, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah reassured the Committee’s determination to ensure democracy was not only credible, but believable and trustworthy by Nigerians.

    He appreciated all stakeholders for honoring the invitation, expressing confidence the new INEC leadership would bring in certain level of quality resilient and experience about democratic processes. 

    While commending security agencies for their commitment to safeguarding the process, Kukah said, “confidence of the citizens is strengthened when the institutions carry out their duties with fairness and honor.

    “Thank God both the INEC Chairman and the governor are Profs and have set the bar. We commend and encourage the INEC team for doing exceptionally difficult job for a people that have difficulty in appreciating sacrifices.

    Read Also: We will resist attempts to disrupt Anambra poll, IGP tells IPOB, ESN, others

    “We acknowledge your efforts and urge you not to be discouraged by criticisms and seeming frustrations of ordinary Nigerians as you brace up for the task ahead,” he added.

    The Bishop also commended the traditional rulers who he described as burden bearers at the grassroots, saying, “your words of wisdom are invaluable especially in a country where so many expansion of lands are ungoverned.

    “Nigeria is undergoing a certain level of psychological nervousness because of the current news. Let’s continue to pray for our country because nothing will happen without God’s approval.

    “I’m happy with assurances from stakeholders in the state. I urge you to live according to the light. Be the light of the world and nation. 

    “I pray your election will bring honor to your state to our nation,” he added.

    While signing the peace accord, candidates of various political parties present at the event pledged to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding the electoral process.

    Speaking on behalf of the candidates, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate and State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo described the peace accord as a vital step toward deepening democracy in the state.

    He said the event symbolised unity and collective commitment to peaceful elections.

    Expressing confidence in the electoral umpire to uphold the will of the people, Soludo said, “the Anambra way is to contest fiercely and embrace one another the next day after the elections,” he said.

  • ‘I’m banking on goodwill, youths’ talents to win Anambra poll’

    ‘I’m banking on goodwill, youths’ talents to win Anambra poll’

    Chioma Ifemeludike is the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election. In this interview with EMMA ELEKWA, the movie actress bares her mind on what informed her decision to run for the seat and how she intends to achieve the goal.

    What informed your decision to run for the office of the governor?

    I’ve been an activist. I was a unionist and Comrade while in school as a strong member of National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS). Apart from studying Political Science, I’ve always been an advocate of good governance. All these stem from foundation of advocacy, humanitarian and genuine love for the best for my people.

    I decided to go for the office because of the saying that “evil thrive when good people keep silence”. I also think providence made it happen because I feel this is the appointed time. Even before I became the Guber candidate, I was Chairperson of my party. While holding that office, I transversed the rural areas not knowing most of the works I was doing will turn around to work in my advantage. At that point, it became obvious that someone will be the flagbearer of the party. The party saw me trustworthy to represent them; moreso, being a woman with strong passion for community development. That was how I became the party candidate after the primary. Even though I was elected unopposed, but the election was supervised by INEC. Because I’ve built that relationship over time, it was not difficult to mobilize people and they unanimously voted for me to represent the party.

    How did you raise funds for purchase of nomination form and for your campaign so far?

    Yes, my party pegged its nomination form at N2million for governorship position. But because our chairman is an advocate as well and because of gender, I asked for a waiver and it was granted. Upon the waiver, I didn’t have money, having exhausted a lot while I was the Chairperson. Even the N25,000 I was asked to pay, someone paid that for me. That’s the kind of party we’re building.

    That’s of advert fee by Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), I led a protest and we were able to engage with the Agency and the management said that the female and youth candidates are exempted from the fee. But we faulted it with the media. First, when the press release came, they didn’t include the waiver in it. They should have informed the public so we should also know. Anyway, they said they were still discussing, even up till the time INEC flagged off campaign, they haven’t written us. For us, that’s an infringement on our rights. Infact, as we speak, we don’t have any bill board or posters because we don’t even know what to pay. The ANSAA management worked out on us that day. But we’re working on a strategy which we tagged, “Talent Discovery Campaign” which implies going door-to-door or if you like one-on-one campaign and also raising young people to be part of our campaign train and empowering them as we go on. We can’t be deterred in any way.

    Read Also: Anambra governorship poll: Stakeholders list seven council areas  as dangerous 

    Do you think that strategy is strong enough to give you the publicity you need to win?

    It may, it may not. But you can’t underate nor undermine the power of young people and the power of talents. So we have our hopes high and believe we can. What these people have done is to take our power but we can’t just keep complaining, but rather device other means and be creative. That’s why we’re young people and show them that as much as they try to frustrate us, we can spring surprises through another angle and still be at the top. All the same, we’ve not given up with ANSA.

    Are there other challenges confronting you, especially navigating the male dominated space?

    As a strong person, I don’t always look at my limitations, even when they’re obviously glaring at me. Financing is one of our major challenges. Just as you know, the cost of campaigning has become a culture. That’s why we have to spend more time engaging the people because these politicians have polluted the minds of our people. They only want to take from us, without minding to know what we plan doing through our manifesto. All they’re interested in is what we can offer to them in terms of cash. Even though we approach these people, but we don’t succumb to their pressure because we know the damages such demands do to our society. That’s why we’re devising this creative means of running our campaign. We intend to play a full tournament where the winner will go home with a million naira. The teams will be made up of children between 14 to 20 years. Whatever money we’re going to spend has to be something they’ve worked for. Not entitlement mentality. This of course, involves mental work because you’re thinking outside the box and creating new ideas out of nothing.

    As a committed member of your church, one expects you to leverage on that platform, knowing the critical role religion plays in politics?

    For me, I’m not really satisfied with the way the church leadership has carried on with my interest to run. I think I’m a devoted member and should deserve some level of support, with the mind they should live up to expectations. However, I can’t say I’ve not enjoyed support from individuals that make up the church. Besides, everything can’t be money. They call me and as well pray for me. The prayers are even more important to me than the money. I can’t condemn everyone. I’m fine the way we’re going, however.

    What gives you the confidence you’re going to win this election?

    My goodwill, the passion that runs in my blood and desire to build a decent and virile society. You can’t undermine those virtues and energy. They can turn things around in a twinkle of an eye. You know how David changed the situation of Israel when they were challenged by the Philistines. Initially, nobody believed him until the day he proved himself and they just have to believe that there’s a supernatural power he possessed. I believe strongly that the God I serve will be with me to sail through. Meanwhile, whatever the outcome is, I’ll take it because winning must not be at the ballot. I’m also here to show young women and youth that they can do what I’m doing as well. It may not be now that I’ll be governor. Nothing is cast on stone. But what is fundamental is for young people to be motivated and challenged by my courage. If I can do it, they can.

    How do you react to the saying that women don’t vote for their female folk?

    I think if women were able to connect in the right way with the people, they will achieve their dreams. It’s not just about women, it’s in the genuiness of what you represent. Like I said, I have something gunning for me which is my passion. It’s a resource I intend to utilize because it’s rare. I have a burning desire to serve the people and when people see the genuiness of it – be it woman or child, they’ll recognise and support it.

    What do you intend to do differently if you secure the seat of the governor?

    First of all, there’s need for a revamp in our security architecture. There should be some decisive measures. We need leaders who actually have intention in creating enabling environment and understand that security is tied to every other thing. Besides, security of lives and property is number one mandate of a leader. When the people are not safe, nothing can thrive. Besides, they can’t security is not a rocket science, we need to lighten up our entire environment, we need technology. I agree that security in Nigeria is same with that overseas. But what the security operatives do to upturn the outcome is the difference. When there’s insecurity, and you get the culprit, you make sure you pin him. By doing that, you’re showing people that if someone commits a crime, we hold them accountable and we see the public and media following up in the process of prosecution. That’s how you safeguard the society and attract investors knowing that people are held accountable for their actions no matter whose ox is gored. But we keep seeing people commit all manner of crimes and are covered. It means people can easily take laws into their hands.

    That’s why jungle justice keep increasing

    Don’t you think this your tall ambition will scare men from you as a single lady?

    For me, marriage is all about the right person at the right time. We always have the wrong notion about marriage, that’s why we have broken partnerships, you see marriages collapsing because of wrong foundation and mindset. Women want to get married because society wants them married or time is running out on them and then probably end up with the wrong person which shows later on. Then, same people have kids who will innocently suffer the consequences on the long run. My mindset about marriage is totally different, and it’s not tied to leadership nor affect it. Even though it helps with discipline and control, not in the negative way, because partnership is important. But what I can’t compromise is to do something to please society or public validation. I respect the family union so much as one of the units of society which God himself ordained. But I’m not going to go into it for the wrong reasons. Infact, when I’m close to it, I feel it’s because of pressure and it dissolves back. But I look forward to having a family where love, peace and everything godly should be visible.

    My ambition can’t never hinder my marital ambition because you are what you attract. The kind of man I’ll attract is not the kind that will see me and feel insecured or threatened. God can never allow such after this time of waiting. I’m going to end up with a secured man who will appreciate how far I’ve gone in life and be proud of me.

  • Anambra poll: IGP hails policemen, others

    Anambra poll: IGP hails policemen, others

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, all policemen, officers and men of other security and safety agencies deployed for last Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

    He hailed them for providing tight security and an environment conducive for a credible election in the state.

    The IGP extolled the high level professionalism, politeness, firmness and unbiased conducts of the police before, during and after the election.

    A statement yesterday by Force spokesman Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said: “The Nigeria Police Force equally appreciates the law-abiding attitude and peaceful conduct of the good people of Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election monitors/observers, civil society organisations (CSOs), the media and other critical stakeholders for a good working relationship with the security personnel deployed for the election.

    “The good disposition and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by most of the political parties in the election, which doused fear and tensions during the election, is gratifying and highly commendable. “

     

     

     

     

  • Anambra: INEC, security agents must be neutral, unbiased – PDP

    Anambra: INEC, security agents must be neutral, unbiased – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be neutral in the conduct of Anambra State governorship election slated for Saturday.

    PDP, in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of its National Caretaker Committee, Dayo Adeyeye, said it was fully prepared and ready for the election.

    The party described Saturday’s governorship election as a litmus test for INEC and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “INEC and all security agencies deployed for the election must remain neutral and unbiased before, during and after the election.

    “We insist that this election in Anambra and others henceforth, must be free, fair, credible and transparent. Anything short of these will not be acceptable to us,’’ the party said.

    The PDP also condemned the recent withdrawal of personal security details of Governor of Anambra, Chief Willie Obiano, by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

    It added that notwithstanding that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the reinstatement of Obiano’s   security aides, the action by the police was a clear signal that the “Force is working to favour some individuals’’ or destabilise the election.

    “In view of the above, we are again sounding a note of warning that we will not accept any manipulation of results in Anambra,” the party stated.

    The PDP called on the people of Anambra to protect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and come out enmass to vote for its governorship candidate, Mr. Oseloka Obaze and his running Mate, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe.

    NAN

     

  • Anambra poll: Group urges massive youths’ votes

    Anambra poll: Group urges massive youths’ votes

    Ahead of the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, a youth-focused non-governmental organisation (NGO), the League of Progressives Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN), has urged young voters to vote massively for their preferred candidates.

    LEPAN leaders spoke at a seminar with the topic, titled: Overcoming the Challenges of Voter Apathy Among the Youths, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, with the theme: #1Vote.

    The group urged youths to turn out massively and vote peacefully during the governorship election.

    LEPAN’s President, Chuckwudi Anyawuocha, who delivered the lecture, said youths cannot continue to complain when they refuse to come out to vote.

    He urged them to go out and vote because it is the only way they can make a genuine demand from the political system.

    Also, LEPAN Programme Officer Olalekan Adigun said the timing of the event was deliberate because of the governorship election.

    He said COOU was chosen because the institution boasts the largest population of young Anambra indigenes, the target of the programme.

    The seminar also had series of engaging political enlightenment activities, including a debate, dance competition and awards to exceptionally brilliant students.

  • Anambra poll: Group urges massive youths’ votes

    Ahead of the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, a youth-focused non-governmental organisation (NGO), the League of Progressives Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN), has urged young voters to vote massively for their preferred candidates.

    LEPAN leaders spoke at a seminar with the topic, titled: Overcoming the Challenges of Voter Apathy Among the Youths, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, with the theme: #1Vote.

    The group urged youths to turn out massively and vote peacefully during the governorship election.

    LEPAN’s President, Chuckwudi Anyawuocha, who delivered the lecture, said youths cannot continue to complain when they refuse to come out to vote.

    He urged them to go out and vote because it is the only way they can make a genuine demand from the political system.

  • INEC: we’re ready for Anambra poll

    INEC: we’re ready for Anambra poll

    •Commission yet to give up on Melaye’s recall

    INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said his team has put in place measures to ensure a transparent, free and fair election in Anambra State.

    He said his commission has not given up on the process for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye.

    He said the process was only being delayed by the court and the legal process initiated by Melaye.

    Yakubu spoke in Abuja yesterday at a dialogue session with civil society organisations under the aegis of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.

    He said INEC has learnt some lessons from the Melaye recall process and has now reviewed its regulations and guidelines to provide room for the participation of civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

    Yakubu, who explained the seeming delay in the Melaye case, said: “These are legal processes. We cannot, as law-abiding agency, ignore the court and just proceed.

    “Supposing we do so, proceed, conclude the process and the court nullifies it? So, we said we will continue to obey the law on this matter of recall. But I will not like to say more, because the matter is already before the court,” he said.

    On the Anambra election, he said the commission will ensure that no opportunity was created for anyone to dispute the election, including the omission of candidate’s name and party’s logo.

    Yakubu said: “The preparation we have put in place for Anambra is simply amazing. We have done all that needs to be done to ensure a successful outing. We have finished printing the voters’ register in triplicate. One in colour, two in black and white.

    “I am telling you that in Anambra, there is no possibility of omitting the logo of any political party.

    “And, we will supervise the processes to ensure that no logo is omitted in the course of printing or any of the processes leading to the delivery of the ballots.

    “We have, as usual, customise the ballot papers. Each local government will have a different colour code. So, even if somebody wants to print his ballot paper, he doesn’t know which colour is for which local government.

    “There is also a secret code, which only myself and the printer know. Nobody in the commission knows this.

    “We have also customised the result sheets. It makes it easier because you have the names of the political parties, then the column for the raw figures, the figures in wards and signatures by the agents,” he said.

    On the threat by IPOB to disrupt the election in Anambra, he said INEC was capable of countering the group’s propaganda, but would leave the issue to security agencies should the group resort to physically stopping voters from participating in the election.

    Yakubu said the delay in the conduct of the rerun election in Anambra Central Senatorial District was because of the pending court case.

    He hoped that since the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the case, INEC will conduct the election with the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections should the appellate court deliver judgment before the scheduled elections.

    Coordinator of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and Executive Director Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) said the dialogue session was meant to enable INEC educate Nigerians on its preparation for the Anambra election and related issues.