The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured that all logistical arrangements for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election have been secured, promising a credible, transparent and peaceful poll.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, Amupitan said INEC had completed 11 out of the 13 activities on its timetable and was “fully prepared” to deliver a free and fair election.

He revealed that political campaigns would officially end by midnight on November 6, while sensitive election materials would be inspected by party representatives at the Central Bank of Nigeria in Awka before deployment.

To ensure seamless movement of personnel and materials, the INEC boss disclosed that the commission had engaged 2,233 buses through the National Association of Transport Owners and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, along with 83 boats for riverine areas.

“We reviewed all transport logistics with stakeholders across the 21 LGAs. We are leaving no stone unturned,” Amupitan stated.

He noted that 63.9 per cent of newly registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards, prompting an extension of the collection deadline to November 2. Unclaimed cards, he said, would be kept at the CBN until after the polls.

The INEC chairman also announced the deployment of sign-language interpreters to assist 3,456 registered persons with disabilities, affirming the commission’s commitment to inclusivity.

A total of 2,802,790 voters are on the final register, while 16 political parties will contest the governorship election.

Amupitan warned INEC officials to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, cautioning that misconduct or complicity in malpractice would attract severe sanctions.

“Let us all say no to vote-buying and all forms of rigging,” he urged.

During the interactive session, political party representatives, including APC Chairman Basil Ejidike, raised concerns about the role of non-state actors, the location of collation centres, and potential vote-buying. Amupitan assured that all issues would be addressed before election day.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a strong warning to criminal elements planning to disrupt the process, stressing that security agencies are fully ready to enforce the law.

Represented by the Acting Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Force Headquarters, Umar Hadejia, the IGP made the remarks in Abuja during a dissemination meeting on the Election Security Threat Assessment.

“To the criminal elements, I say: leave Anambra now. We will use the full weight of the law to ensure anyone trying to cause trouble during the election is arrested, investigated, and prosecuted,” Hadejia warned.

He said all security personnel had undergone pre-deployment briefings and would operate under strict rules of engagement. Any misuse of firearms, he cautioned, would be met with disciplinary action.

Hadejia assured residents of adequate security coverage, noting that emergency response lines had been activated, including a toll-free number (933) for reporting threats or suspicious activity.

“All law-abiding citizens should not fear. Our men are on ground to respond to distress calls. With the arrangements in place, this election will be incident-free,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Programmes at CLEEN Foundation, Salaudeen Hashim, said assessments showed improved stability in Anambra but urged continued vigilance.

“There might be some level of stability because of recent interventions, but security threats do not select victims. All responsible actors must act within the short window available,” he noted.

With barely days to the poll, all eyes are on Anambra as INEC and security agencies pledge to ensure a peaceful and credible election for the 2.8 million registered voters across the state.