INEC reaffirms commitment to ensuring credible election in the upcoming governorship race
By Uche Kalu, Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025, while calling on the media to remain steadfast in combating fake news and misinformation during the electioneering period.
Speaking at a Forum for Media Executives, Reporters, Producers, and On-Air Personalities held in Awka, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“This forum is not just another pre-election event. It is a reaffirmation of our partnership with the media, our indispensable allies in nation-building,” Olumekun said. He commended journalists for their professionalism and balanced reportage during the recent by-election in the state, describing their role as the “oxygen of democracy.”
“You upheld the ethics of journalism, resisted sensationalism, and ensured that facts, not falsehood guided public understanding,” he noted.
Mr. Olumekun assured that the Commission was fully prepared for the November 8 poll, with non-sensitive materials already delivered to Anambra State, while sensitive materials would arrive under strict security arrangements. He disclosed that INEC teams were in the state for a week-long readiness assessment visit, featuring meetings with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and a mock accreditation exercise aimed at ensuring a seamless electoral process.
The National Commissioner also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise were ready for collection from Wednesday, October 22 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, at ward levels across the state. He cautioned that there would be no collection by proxy, urging media practitioners to mobilize registrants through their platforms to pick up their PVCs.
Highlighting the growing challenge of misinformation, Olumekun warned that fake news could erode public trust and undermine the electoral process. “False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension. Let truth remain your only compass. Verify before amplifying,” he advised.
The Commissioner reminded journalists that the online accreditation portal for media coverage of the election, which opened on September 1, 2025, would close by midnight on Thursday, October 24, 2025, warning that there would be no extension. According to him, accredited journalists will collect their accreditation tags beginning Monday, November 3, 2025 with each tag carrying a unique barcode that can be scanned by security agencies for instant verification. “This innovation will enhance access control and strengthen security around election locations and facilities,” he explained.
Olumekun further reaffirmed that INEC’s collaboration with the media goes beyond formality, describing it as “foundational to democracy.” “We are united by a shared belief that democracy must be protected, not only at the polling units, but also in the minds of citizens who rely on accurate information to make informed choices,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election would be peaceful, transparent, and credible, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In her remarks, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, expressed appreciation to journalists for their consistent support to the Commission since her assumption of office. “Reporters have been fair to INEC. You help us to push out information, and when we fall short, you correct us in the proper way. This engagement is our way of saying we appreciate you,” she said.
The REC commended the media for helping to douse political tension and simplify complex electoral issues for public understanding, describing journalists as “partners in progress.”
She emphasised that, “If the media in Nigeria were callous, the country would not stand today. We need you to do even more, especially now that we are heading into another election,” she added, assuring that INEC remains committed to upholding the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution despite pressures to do otherwise.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD urged the Commission to remain accessible to journalists, particularly during critical periods when clarifications are needed
Represented by the Secretary, Dr. Okechukwu Onuegbu, he commended INEC for improvements in election management. “INEC must be reachable to the media at all times. More training and partnership, especially with the NUJ, are needed to enhance fact-checking and responsible reporting. It would also be helpful to have designated desk officers to handle verification inquiries from journalists,” Odogwu noted.
Speaking on the Electoral Act 2022, the Head of Legal Services, Mrs. Olachi Nwugo, underscored the importance of understanding the provisions of the law to avoid legal pitfalls and misinformation. She stressed that journalists play a vital role in enlightening the public on the Act’s guidelines, thereby promoting credible electoral processes.
In his presentation, the Head of Electoral Operations, Mr. Ejimofor Ejikeme, outlined voting procedures, explaining that polls will open at 8:30 a.m. using the Continuous Accreditation and Voting System (CAVS). He noted that priority voting would be granted to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, in line with INEC’s inclusivity policy. Ejikeme further reminded journalists that the secrecy of the ballot must be strictly maintained, warning that the use of phones or photographic devices within voting cubicles is prohibited, as such acts could facilitate vote buying and undermine election integrity.
Also speaking, the Head of ICT/VR, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nnaji, highlighted INEC’s technological innovations, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). He noted that these tools have greatly minimized cases of multiple voting and impersonation, thereby boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
“Electoral processes globally are becoming increasingly technology-driven to enhance transparency. INEC continues to review every election to identify areas of improvement.”
