The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Anambra State Police Command have reiterated their readiness for the upcoming Anambra Central Senatorial bye-election scheduled for August 16, and the governorship election slated for November 8, 2025.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that extensive preparations are underway to ensure smooth and peaceful elections.
Security Measures in Place – Police Commissioner
Commissioner Orutugu, who also chairs the Anambra State Security Committee, disclosed that the police have been holding regular strategy meetings with other security agencies and INEC to assess the security landscape and fine-tune operational plans for the polls.
“We are fully prepared. All security agencies in the state meet regularly to analyse the security situation and coordinate plans ahead of the elections,” Orutugu said. “Our collaboration with INEC has been effective, and we are working closely to ensure a hitch-free process before, during, and after the elections.”
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their continued support and appealed for additional resources to enhance the capacity of security personnel during the electoral period.
INEC Sets Timeline, Warns Against Registration Fraud
On her part, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Elizabeth Agwu confirmed that the commission is fully set for both elections. She clarified that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise beginning July 8 is strictly for the governorship election, not the senatorial bye-election.
Agwu stated that the CVR proper will commence on July 17, running daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at designated INEC centers.
She urged eligible voters to take advantage of the opportunity to register or correct any errors in their records, emphasizing that fresh registrations must be done in person, while data corrections can be completed online.
“INEC will not accept proxy registrations. No one should pay to be registered. We have concluded training for ad hoc staff and are collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for deployment,” she added.
Agwu also revealed that 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been configured for the November governorship election and that INEC has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various transport unions to handle logistics.
“We have sensitised stakeholders across Anambra, as required by the Electoral Act. We are committed to conducting a credible election that surpasses previous ones,” she said. “Security personnel from across the country will be deployed. Voters should not be afraid to participate fully.”
For the August 16 senatorial bye-election, she confirmed that only existing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be used, and a new nationwide CVR will follow the bye-election in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Agwu reaffirmed INEC’s cooperation with security agencies to preempt and address any potential threats, urging the public to trust the process and come out to vote.
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