- Commission affirms readiness for off-cycle polls, continuous voter registration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, beginning with the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025.
Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, gave the assurance yesterday at the quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
She said the commission had completed 10 out of 13 key activities on the timetable and schedule for the Anambra election and is determined to deliver a free and fair poll.
“The timetable for the Anambra governorship election outlines 13 activities to be carried out by the commission. I am glad to inform you that we have completed 10 of these,” she said.
“The remaining activities are the publication of the notice of poll slated for October 25, 2025, the last day for campaigns on November 6, 2025, and the election itself on November 8, 2025. The commission is committed to strictly adhering to these timelines.”
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that non-sensitive election materials had already been delivered to Anambra State, while voter education and sensitisation campaigns were ongoing. She also confirmed that the commission had held several security meetings at national, state, and local levels to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.
“Political parties are reminded to be mindful of the last day for campaigns and to keep strictly to it,” she cautioned.
The INEC boss also provided updates on the commission’s preparations for other upcoming elections across the country, including:
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections are scheduled for February 21, 2026; the Ekiti State governorship election is fixed for June 20, 2026; and the Osun State governorship election is slated for August 8, 2026.
According to her, the commission had already released the timetable and schedule of activities for these polls, with several of the activities already carried out.
“For the FCT Area Council elections, which will be held in 68 constituencies—comprising six council chairmen and deputies, and 62 wards—the Commission has completed eight of the 13 scheduled activities,” she explained.
“The remaining activities include the submission of polling agents’ names, publication of the official register of voters, publication of notice of poll, the last day for campaigns, and the election itself.”
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu also reviewed the successful conduct of bye-elections held on August 16, 2025, across two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, as well as two court-ordered re-runs in Enugu and Kano States, where Certificates of Return had been issued to winners in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
The Acting INEC Chairman announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise resumed on August 18, 2025, for online pre-registration, and on August 25, 2025, for in-person registration at all INEC state and local government offices nationwide.
She said the exercise, which will run for a full year until August 30, 2026, has achieved impressive participation nationwide.
“The response of Nigerians to the CVR exercise has been remarkable. This demonstrates that Nigerians believe in our democracy and trust the Commission’s efforts to ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to choose their leaders,” she said.
“The details of completed online and physical registrations are published on our website weekly.”
On the registration of new political parties, Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that out of 171 associations that applied to INEC, 14 had been pre-qualified to proceed to the next stage after meeting the basic requirements.
“Each request was assessed based on its compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 79 (1, 2, and 4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,” she explained.
Speaking on behalf of all registered political parties, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, commended INEC for its renewed commitment to credible elections but urged the Commission to sustain the momentum.
He emphasised that Nigerians expect the electoral body to justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring that the upcoming Anambra governorship election and other off-cycle polls reflect the true will of the people.
“After 26 years of unbroken democracy, we must get it right,” Dantalle said.
“The forthcoming Anambra governorship election is the litmus test for the new INEC leadership. Its success will set the tone for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the decisive 2027 general election.”
He urged the commission to uphold transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in all electoral processes, adding that credible elections remain the bedrock of national stability.
“With new leadership at INEC, citizens’ expectations are high. The commission must justify the confidence the nation has placed in it. That is the only way to rebuild trust in the electoral process and encourage mass participation in future polls,” he stated.
Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s readiness to collaborate with INEC in consolidating Nigeria’s democratic gains.
“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC assures the commission of our continued support in promoting political stability, successful elections, and the overall well-being of Nigerians,” he added.
“We are all in this together—to build a better, greater, inclusive, prosperous, and just democratic society.”
In conclusion, Acting Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu reiterated INEC’s unwavering resolve to uphold the integrity of the electoral process through professionalism, inclusivity, and transparency.
“The commission remains committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria through credible elections that reflect the will of the people,” she affirmed.
