By Adeola Badru
International observers and civil society organisations have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transparent, efficient, and peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election, noting that the exercise has so far been remarkably orderly and credible.
Reports from accredited observer groups, monitored at the INEC Situation Room by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oketola, showed that voting across polling units was generally smooth, with improved voter turnout compared with the 2021 election.
The atmosphere across the state remained calm, while INEC’s logistics and deployment of technology were widely praised under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.
One of the accredited international observer groups, the International Association of World Peace Advocates, represented by Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke, expressed satisfaction with INEC’s level of preparedness and professionalism.
He noted that voting materials, BVAS deployment, and the presence of 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 said while monitoring polling units in Awka.
He further commended the security agencies for their conduct, describing their presence as well-organised and disciplined.
“The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation,” he stated.
Reacting to allegations of vote buying, Dr. Nkweke said his team had not witnessed any such cases in the areas they visited.
“We have not seen anything like that in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible,” he said.
Civil society organisations have also praised INEC for what they termed a transparent, well-coordinated, and timely process.
Ms Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, applauded the early arrival of materials and personnel, noting that voting commenced promptly as provided by law.
“Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South,” she said.
“Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”
Ms Mbamalu described the early deployment as a positive indicator of transparency, adding that Yiaga Africa considered prompt commencement of polling a critical benchmark of credibility.
Similarly, Hon Dominic Okafor, who represents Aguata Federal Constituency, commended both INEC and voters for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the exercise after casting his vote at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu.
“I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far. Voters are conducting themselves peacefully, and participation is impressive,” he said.
Also speaking to journalists, Mr. Shedrack Azubuike, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, praised INEC officials for their professionalism and efficiency in handling both materials and personnel.
“The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,”he said.
In a similar observation, the Founder of TAF Africa, Mr. Jake Epelle, told Channels Television that the overall security atmosphere in Anambra State was calm and reassuring, describing the people as peace-loving and self-disciplined.
“The security situation is not something to worry about. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” Epelle said, urging citizens to overcome apathy and participate fully in the process.
Observers linked the smooth conduct of the election to INEC’s extensive pre-election preparations, including a record 98.8 per cent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate, which they said reflected exceptional voter readiness and growing confidence in the Commission’s capacity.
“Out of 2,802,790 registered voters, 2,769,137 successfully collected their PVCs, a feat made possible by decentralised, community-level distribution and a five-day extension from 29 October to 2 November 2025.”
“In several locations, including Ugbene (Awka North), Alor I, Bridge Head II, Ogbunike I & II, and Umunya I & II, INEC recorded 100 per cent PVC collection.”
“Rural and riverine areas such as Ayamelum and Anambra West also achieved over 99 per cent despite difficult terrain.”
Observers noted that these figures demonstrated INEC’s administrative efficiency and the growing trust of the electorate under Professor Amupitan’s leadership.”
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere recorded across the state.
“Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful,” he said.
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