Anambra Poll: International Observers Hail INEC’s Transparency, Leadership

Awka, Nigeria — International observers and domestic civil society organisations (CSOs) have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transparent, efficient, and peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election.

Dayo Oketola, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman in a statement said the International observers described the exercise as “very orderly and credible.”

The polls, which saw improved voter turnout compared to the 2021 election, were praised for smooth operations and a calm atmosphere across polling units. Both local and international monitors specifically lauded INEC’s logistical coordination, effective deployment of technology, and the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.

Praise for Preparedness and Technology

Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, an accredited international observer group, highlighted INEC’s preparedness and professionalism. He noted that the deployment of voting materials, the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and security agencies were “exceptionally well coordinated.” “The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr. Nkweke stated while monitoring units in Awka.

Domestic observer groups echoed this sentiment. Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, applauded the timely start of the exercise, noting that materials and personnel arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in some areas, leading to the commencement of voting by the stipulated 8:30 a.m.” Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m…. shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC,” Mbamalu said, describing the early deployment as a “positive sign of transparent elections.”

Security Agencies Commended for Professionalism

In addition to the electoral body, security agencies were commended for maintaining order. Dr. Nkweke praised their conduct, noting that the environment was “calm and secure,” with exemplary behaviour observed even in units with up to seven police officers. Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa, affirmed the overall calm security atmosphere in the state, noting the peaceful nature of Anambra’s citizenry.

On potential electoral malpractice, Dr. Nkweke reported: “We have not seen anything like [vote buying] in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible.”

Record PVC Collection Signals Confidence

The smooth conduct of the election has been linked by observers to INEC’s extensive preparatory work, notably achieving a record 98.8% Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate. Out of 2,802,790 registered voters, an impressive 2,769,137 collected their PVCs.

This feat was attributed to decentralised, community-level distribution and a five-day extension period. The high collection rate was seen as a sign of growing public confidence in the electoral process and INEC’s administrative efficiency under Professor Amupitan’s leadership.

Milestone in Nigeria’s Democracy

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to “credible, transparent, and peaceful” elections. With reports of seamless operations, effective security coordination, and near-total voter card collection, both domestic and international observers have described the Anambra Governorship Election as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a clear testament to the renewed confidence in the electoral body’s integrity.