The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to all 21 local government areas of Anambra State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The exercise, held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka, was supervised by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Awgu, under tight security. Representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies were also on ground to monitor the process.
The sensitive materials distributed included the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B. INEC officials explained that the materials would be moved to the various Registration Area Centres (RACs) for final deployment ahead of the election.
Speaking to journalists during the exercise, Dr. Awgu said the early distribution was part of measures to ensure that the election commenced on time across the state.
She said, “We urge the people of Anambra to come out and vote. Participate in this process, don’t assume your vote won’t count or that your candidate has already won. INEC is fully prepared and committed to delivering a credible and peaceful election.”
Awgu added that the distribution of sensitive materials was jointly supervised by party agents and security personnel to ensure transparency. “We have been at the CBN since 9 a.m., and everything has gone smoothly without any challenges or complaints. This demonstrates our readiness and commitment to conducting a credible election,” she said.
According to the REC, INEC has made comprehensive arrangements in collaboration with political parties, security agencies, and civil society groups to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and credible process.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Anambra, Abayomi Shogunle, announced that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had been increased from 45,000 to 55,000.
He explained that the move was aimed at ensuring adequate protection of voters, election officials, and materials across the state’s 21 local government areas.
“The increase in security personnel is not meant to intimidate voters but to enhance effective operations and safety at every polling unit,” Shogunle said. “We want to boost public confidence so that eligible voters can come out freely to cast their ballots.”
According to him, at least three security officers will be stationed at each polling unit, with personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other sister agencies.
Shogunle, who also monitored the distribution at the CBN, confirmed that the materials moved included BVAS devices and result sheets (Forms EC8A and EC8B) for the Saturday poll.
INEC disclosed that 16 candidates from 16 registered political parties will contest in the governorship election, seeking to unseat the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
