Warns Against Campaign Of Calumny, Vote Buying, Otther Misconducts
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state has expressed commitment to free, fair and credible 2027 general election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, gave the assurance during Stakeholders meeting which took place at the state INEC Headquarters in Awka, on Friday, 9th October, 2026.
She disclosed that the Commission would be engaging over 22,880 adhoc staff as well as 326 Supervisory Presiding Officers during the election..
Dr Agwu informed that more Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been procured, while the state INEC had also received 5,720 machines for all polling units, with additional units kept in reserve in case of malfunction.
The State REC also disclosed that trainings have been going on for officials that will participate in the elections, as well as upgrading of equipment, information and communications technology materials ahead of the election.
The State REC expressed hope that there would not be any record of technical glitches during the elections, assuring that they are more than 80 percent ready with materials ahead of the election.
Dr Agwu further revealed that names of eligible voters who registered between January and July had been published, urging those who participated in the exercises to go and verify their details and report any errors.
According to her, the commission is working towards transferring collation centres from government facilities to neutral environments, adding that the commission has made various improvements in technology and currently procuring all the necessary materials, as well as recruiting ad-hoc staff to be trained and equipped for a seamless exercise.
She further informed that collection of permanent voters cards (PVC) were still on across registration areas, while voters registers for those who enrolled from January to July, 2026 are on display for voters to confirm before printing.
Local Government Chairmen, party leaders and other stakeholders were urged to help inform those who registered for new PVC or replacements to go and check to confirm that their details are correct.
On security, the State REC said that the commission has held meetings with security agencies, assuring of adequate security before, during and after the election, but warned those with intentions to foment trouble to have a rethink.
She warned politicians against campaign of calumny or attempting to lure or buy over INEC officials, as such practices would not work, warning also that the commission would prosecute voter buyers and sellers in line with electoral act.
“We won’t permit you to wash your dirty lining in the public in this campaign period. The voters are not interested on your relationship or family stories. We want you to tell them who you are, your antecedents and manifestos. The masses are there to listen to you and make informed decisions from there not your personal family issues,” the State REC cautioned
She, therefore, charged political party leaders, civil society organisations and observers to live up to their responsibilities and report incidents of vote trading or other Electoral misconducts with evidence.
in a vote of thanks the State INEC Admin. Secretary, Honour Ijeoma Anima, who thanked all those who participated in the stakeholders meeting, affirmed the REC’s stand towards conducting free, fair and credible 2027 general elections, urged all political parties and candidates to abide by the rules guiding the exercise.
Being an interactive session, the event also featured questions, answers and suggestions.
