The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to all 21 local government areas of Anambra State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The exercise, held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka, was supervised by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Awgu, under tight security.
Party representatives, civil society observers, and security operatives were also present to monitor the movement of the materials and ensure transparency.
Among the sensitive materials distributed were the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B, which INEC said would be transferred to the various Registration Area Centres (RACs) for final deployment ahead of election day.
Speaking during the distribution, Dr. Awgu said the early rollout of materials was part of INEC’s strategy to guarantee a smooth and timely commencement of voting across the state.
“People should come out and vote—participate fully in this process,” she urged. “Do not assume your vote won’t count or that your preferred candidate has already won. INEC is fully prepared, and we assure the people of Anambra State of a credible and peaceful election.”
She added that party agents and security operatives jointly supervised the distribution to build public confidence. “We have been here since 9 a.m., and everything has gone smoothly. This demonstrates our readiness and commitment to conducting a transparent, free, and fair election.”
Dr. Awgu emphasised that INEC had worked closely with political parties, security agencies, and civil society organisations to ensure a seamless process.
Security Deployment Raised to 55,000 Personnel
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in the state, Abayomi Shogunle, revealed that security deployment for the poll has been increased from 45,000 to 55,000 personnel.
He noted that the heightened deployment was aimed at reinforcing voter confidence, not intimidating citizens.
“The increase is to ensure effective operations and maximum safety at all polling units,” Shogunle explained. “We want voters to cast their ballots without fear. At least three security officers will be stationed at every polling unit.”
He said the security personnel would be drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, and other sister agencies. Shogunle, who monitored the distribution at the CBN, confirmed that BVAS devices and result sheets (Forms EC8A and EC8B) were among the materials being moved for Saturday’s election.
16 Candidates Battle for Anambra’s Top Job
According to INEC, 16 candidates from 16 registered political parties are contesting in the governorship race, seeking to unseat the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
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