By Emmanuel Kwada
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters in Anambra State of a seamless and credible governorship election on Saturday, declaring that all logistical and technical arrangements are complete and there will be “no glitches.”
Speaking on Politics Today Thursday evening, INEC’s Supervising National Commissioner, Ken Ukeagu, said the commission is fully prepared to deliver a transparent process despite past challenges.
“The mandate is to go and give Nigerians, and Anambra people in particular, fair, credible and inclusive elections, and that is what we are going to do tomorrow,” Ukeagu said.
He dismissed concerns over potential delays or technical failures, particularly with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which has malfunctioned in previous elections.
“There will be no glitches, no technical problems. Materials will arrive early, men will arrive early at the polling units, and we are going to give Anambra people credible elections tomorrow,” he affirmed.
Ukeagu also confirmed INEC’s readiness for a possible runoff if no candidate secures the required majority as stipulated by law.
“We are preparing for a runoff. You know, as a Commission, it’s part of the law—where no candidate meets the requirement of the law, we will certainly go for a runoff,” he added.
Election materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, have already been distributed to Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the state’s 21 local government areas. Vehicles and personnel are on standby for final deployment to polling units at dawn.
“The materials are already at the RACs. We moved them to the local government areas yesterday. Most of the RACs have been activated. Vehicles have been delivered, and we are set. Tomorrow morning, we will just move them to the polling units and wait for the Anambra people to come and vote,” Ukeagu said.
Anambra, a politically vibrant state in Nigeria’s Southeast, has seen intense campaigning in recent weeks. Security agencies and accredited observers have also finalized preparations to ensure a peaceful and orderly process.
INEC had earlier activated RACs and completed the deployment of materials to local government areas to prevent late arrivals—a recurring issue in past elections.
As voters prepare to choose the state’s next governor, INEC’s assurances come amid heightened public expectations for a smooth and credible exercise.
