Anambra Election: INEC chairman vows credible, transparent election, warns against voter apathy
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and transparent governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025, even as it raised concerns over the state’s persistent low voter turnout in previous polls.
Speaking at a conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, made a passionate appeal to voters to participate actively in the electoral process, warning that voter apathy poses a greater threat to Anambra’s democracy than external violence.
“The greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy,” the INEC Chairman said, noting that “Democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders.”
Historic Decline in Voter Turnout
Amupitan expressed concern over a sharp decline in electoral participation in the state, revealing that voter turnout has steadily fallen over the past three election cycles.
“In the 2013 Governorship Election, turnout was only 25.5%. In 2017, it dropped further to 20.10%. By 2021, it deteriorated sharply to just 10.27%,” he said.
The INEC Chairman urged every eligible voter in Anambra to come out and vote without fear or intimidation, emphasising that citizen participation is vital to the integrity and legitimacy of the democratic process.
Record PVC Collection Ahead of Saturday Poll
In a significant development, Amupitan announced that the Commission had achieved a remarkable 98.8% rate of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection following an extension of the distribution period.
“We are pleased to report that 98.80% of registered voters in Anambra have collected their PVCs. The extension of the collection period yielded excellent results and signals strong readiness among voters,” he stated.
INEC said all logistics and personnel deployment plans are in place to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process, with security agencies fully mobilised to safeguard polling units and collation centres across the state.
INEC Reiterates Commitment to Transparency
The Commission reaffirmed its pledge to uphold the principles of transparency, neutrality, and accountability, stressing that every vote will count.
“INEC remains resolute in its duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. Our systems have been fortified to ensure that the will of the people prevails,” Amupitan assured.
With record PVC collection and renewed assurances from the electoral body, analysts say Saturday’s election will be a key test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience and citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
