By Peter Omopo
Commission delivers all non-sensitive materials, vows credible poll on November 8
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its preparedness for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election, assuring political parties and Nigerians of a credible and transparent exercise.
This was disclosed on Tuesday during INEC’s third quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja—the first to be chaired by Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, following the exit of former chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on October 7.
In her opening address, Agbamuche-Mbu paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, describing him as a reformer who left “a legacy of innovation, institutional strength, and integrity.”
She outlined the commission’s schedule of elections, including the Anambra governorship poll in November, the FCT Area Council Elections on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti Governorship Election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun Governorship Election on August 8, 2026.
10 of 13 Key Activities Completed
Providing updates on the Anambra election, the acting chairman said INEC had completed 10 of the 13 key pre-election activities, noting that the remaining tasks include the publication of the notice of poll on October 25, the end of the campaign period on November 6, and the conduct of the election on November 8.
“All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, and voter education and sensitisation are ongoing,” she said. “The commission is fully committed to adhering strictly to its timetable and schedule of activities. Political parties are advised to conclude campaigns before the November 6 deadline.”
Agbamuche-Mbu added that INEC had been holding regular meetings with security agencies at national, state, and local government levels to ensure a safe and peaceful exercise.
By-Elections and Voter Registration
The acting chairman also provided updates on the by-elections conducted on August 16 across 12 states, which covered two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, as well as two court-ordered rerun elections in Enugu and Kano States.
“Declarations and returns were made, and Certificates of Return have been issued in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022,” she confirmed.
She further announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed nationwide in August 2025, will continue until August 30, 2026, describing citizens’ response as “encouraging.”
Party Registration and Reforms
On party registration, Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that the commission had received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, but only 14 met the requirements to proceed to the next stage.
“These applications were assessed in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, 2022,” she said.
Responding on behalf of political parties, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, commended Agbamuche-Mbu’s leadership, describing her appointment as “timely and deserved.”
“The nation will benefit from her wealth of experience and service record,” he said. “However, the Anambra election will be the litmus test of this new leadership. INEC must get it right.”
Dantalle revealed that IPAC had submitted a series of reform proposals to the National Assembly, including:
- The scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs);
- The transfer of local government elections to INEC;
- The reservation of special legislative seats for women;
- The restoration of public funding for political parties; and
- The removal of the President’s power to appoint INEC’s leadership.
“With new leadership, citizens’ expectations are very high,” Dantalle added. “INEC must justify the confidence reposed in it to rebuild public trust in the electoral process.”
INEC Under New Leadership Transition
Yakubu, who first assumed office as INEC Chairman in October 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made history as the first to be reappointed for a second term in November 2020.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted his resignation earlier this month and conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his service.
The National Council of State, at its October 9 meeting, approved Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the substantive INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.
Until his confirmation, Agbamuche-Mbu will continue to oversee the affairs of the commission.
INEC has confirmed that 2.8 million voters are registered to participate in the Anambra poll, with 16 political parties fielding candidates after meeting the submission deadline of May 12, 2025.
The commission has also released the final list of candidates and officially declared the campaign season open.
“We are all in this together to build a better, inclusive, and prosperous democratic society,” Dantalle concluded.
