By Nchetachi Chukuwajah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
INEC stated that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was extended until Sunday, November 2, to ensure maximum participation.
According to the commission, fine-tuned deployment arrangements have been made for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.
This was disclosed by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during the signing of the Peace Accord for the Governorship Off-Cycle Election by National Peace Committee (NPC), held at the International Conference Centre in Awka on Monday, November 3.
Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to tackle vote-buying, saying that individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people would be seriously dealt with.
He said@ “The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust security measures for this election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other agencies.
“Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics. Enhanced result management processes will also be evident.”
According to a statement by INEC on Monday, Amupitan reassured of the commission’s preparedness to deliver on its mandate and urged political parties, candidates and supporters to adhere to the principles of the peace accord.
“As the election management body, I want to reassure all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices, and the very principles enshrined in the peace accord we are about to endorse.
“However, let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.
“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.
“Therefore, as you append your signatures today, please ensure the message cascades to your supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections.
“By signing this peace accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but we are also sending a strong message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails,” he said.
