The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Anambra State Police Command have reaffirmed their readiness for the upcoming Anambra Central Senatorial bye-election scheduled for August 16 and the governorship election set for November 8, 2025.
In separate interviews granted to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed that comprehensive plans are in place to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and peaceful polls.
Police Outline Security Strategy
Commissioner Orutugu, who also chairs the Anambra State Security Committee, stated that law enforcement agencies are holding regular strategy sessions with INEC and other stakeholders to evaluate the security environment and coordinate operational responses ahead of the elections.
“We are fully prepared,” Orutugu said. “All security agencies in the state meet regularly to assess the situation and fine-tune our approach. Our collaboration with INEC is solid, and we are determined to ensure a smooth electoral process from start to finish.”
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their ongoing support and called for additional logistical support to bolster security operations during the elections.
INEC Rolls Out Election Timeline, Warns Against Registration Malpractice
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed the commission’s readiness for both polls. She clarified that the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which begins on July 8, is solely intended for the November governorship election, not the senatorial bye-election.
According to her, the CVR proper will commence on July 17 and will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at designated INEC centers across the state. She encouraged eligible voters to participate, either to register afresh or to correct existing information, stressing that fresh registrations must be done in person, while data updates can be processed online.
“INEC will not accept proxy registrations, and no individual should pay to be registered,” Agwu warned. “We’ve completed training for ad hoc staff and are working with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for deployment.”
She also disclosed that 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have already been configured for the November election, and INEC has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with transport unions to facilitate the movement of personnel and materials.
“We’ve engaged stakeholders throughout Anambra as mandated by the Electoral Act. INEC is committed to delivering a transparent and credible election, one that will surpass previous benchmarks,” she said.
Agwu emphasized that for the August 16 senatorial bye-election, only existing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be valid for use. She noted that a new nationwide CVR will follow the bye-election in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Reiterating the commission’s cooperation with security agencies, Agwu assured voters of adequate protection and urged the public to participate actively and confidently in the electoral process.
