From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections across Nigeria as it ramps up preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election slated for November 8, 2025.
Speaking at the Commission’s third quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Tuesday, the Acting Chairman of INEC, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, assured that the Commission remains unwavering in its resolve to uphold transparency, integrity, and professionalism in all electoral activities.
Addressing representatives of political parties, members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and senior INEC officials, Agbamuche-Mbu commended the consistent engagement of political stakeholders in the consultative meetings, describing such collaboration as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
She also paid tribute to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who left office on October 7, 2025, lauding his “legacy of innovation, institutional growth, and integrity.”
Providing updates on the Commission’s recent activities, Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that INEC successfully conducted bye-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025.
The elections, which covered two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, were followed by the issuance of certificates of return to the winners in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
On the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, she revealed that out of the 13 scheduled pre-election activities, 10 have already been completed.
The remaining activities include the publication of the Notice of Poll on October 25, the end of campaigns on November 6, and the election proper on November 8.
“The Commission has been working assiduously to ensure a smooth and credible Anambra Governorship Election.
“We have engaged security agencies at all levels, deployed all non-sensitive materials to the state, and intensified voter education and sensitisation efforts,” she stated.
Agbamuche-Mbu also disclosed that preparations were in progress for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, covering six area councils and 62 wards, with eight of the 13 key activities already concluded.
She further announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise resumed nationwide on August 18, 2025, for online pre-registration and August 25 for in-person registration, both running until August 30, 2026.
The Acting Chairman expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout of registrants, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ renewed confidence in the electoral system.
Agbamuche-Mbu added that INEC had so far received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, with 14 of them meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements to proceed to the next stage.
Reaffirming the Commission’s readiness for upcoming electoral engagements, she said: “INEC remains committed to deepening democracy through inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes.
“We look forward to your continued cooperation as we collectively strengthen our nation’s democracy.”
