Anambra guber poll: INEC chair urges peace, pledges credible election as candidates sign peace accord

Joash O. Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on political parties and candidates participating in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election to uphold peace and abide by the provisions of the Peace Accord signed on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Awka.

Delivering his goodwill message at the event organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) ahead of the off-cycle election, Amupitan commended the committee, led by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd general, for their consistent efforts in promoting peaceful and credible elections across the country.

In a statement by the Commission, Amupitan recalled that the Peace Accord initiative, which began at the national level, was extended to off-cycle governorship elections in 2020 following INEC’s request to address electoral tensions and violence.

“Since then, the exercise has been successfully conducted in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi, and Edo again in 2024,” he noted, adding that most parties and candidates had honoured their commitments, contributing to peaceful outcomes.

The INEC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent process in Anambra, urging political actors to demonstrate sincerity in their pledge to peace.

“It is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” he cautioned.

“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.”

Amupitan appealed to candidates to ensure that the message of peace cascades to their supporters at all levels, emphasising that democracy thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.

“By signing this Peace Accord, we affirm our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among stakeholders. Let us ensure that the election is remembered not for division or discord, but for unity and the pursuit of common goals,” he said.

On INEC’s readiness, the Chairman disclosed that the Commission had taken deliberate steps to ensure a smooth and credible election, including the deployment of over 24,000 personnel across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, 21 local government collation centres, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.

He announced that 2,802,790 eligible voters are on the final register for the election, and that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was extended until Sunday, November 2, to encourage maximum participation. He also reaffirmed INEC’s determination to curb vote-buying and safeguard the sanctity of the ballot.

To ensure adequate security, Amupitan revealed that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) had put in place robust arrangements, including the deployment of 45,000 police personnel and 10,250 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in collaboration with other security agencies.

“With the Peace Accord being signed today, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the valuable contributions of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders, we are confident, by God’s grace, that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful and successful,” he affirmed.

The INEC Chairman concluded by commending the National Peace Committee for its sustained role in promoting non-violence during elections and prayed for continued peace and democratic progress in Nigeria.

“May God bless our collective efforts, guide our nation toward enduring peace, and make this election a testament to our shared commitment to democracy,” he said.