24,000 staff, 540 journalists to participate in Anambra governorship election – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said that about 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed to 5,718 polling units during the November 8th, 2025 Anambra State Governorship election.

Kenneth Ikeagu, National Commissioner Supervising Anambra and Chairman Tenders Board Committee, stated this to newsmen, weekend, at the INEC State Headquarters in Awka, the State Capital.

Ikeagu added that apart from the ad hoc staff, about 540 journalists had been accredited to cover the election, adding that the Commission is fully prepared for the Governorship poll in line with its commitment to credible and inclusive elections.

He said the Commission had been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination, including the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise which was conducted across selected polling units in three Senatorial Districts of the State on Saturday.

The exercise, according to him, is to test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, assess its efficiency, and evaluate the process of uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal ahead of the main election.

Selected polling units include Anambra Central: Awka South (Amawbia II – Igwédimma Primary School I & II), Idemili North (Nkpor II – Ububa Village Square, Ifeadigo Hall), Anambra North: Oyi (Nteje III & IV – Girls Secondary School, State Primary School), Anambra East (Aguleri II – Central School, Umunoke Public Square I) and Anambra South: Aguata (Ekwulobia I & II – Central School, Urban Girls Secondary School), Orumba North (Ajalli I – Primary School, RCM KDT School).

He said the exercise was aimed at evaluating logistics, operational readiness, and general preparedness ahead of the governorship poll.

On the number of people that have so far collected their PVCs since the collection started last week Wednesday, Ikeagu said he did not have the exact figure as the exercise is still ongoing, adding that at the end of the exercise, the number of those that had collected their PVCs would be announced.

After the exercise, the team expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved so far. While commending both INEC staff and residents for their cooperation, urging voters to remain patient, law-abiding, and orderly as preparations continue.

BusinessDay reports that 16 Governorship candidates from 16 Political parties are contesting the November 8, 2025 election. They will be challenging the incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who is seeking reelection.