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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against vote buying, use of thugs, and other electoral malpractices ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.
INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, gave the warning on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as part of final preparations for the November 8 off-cycle governorship poll.
The interactive session brought together representatives of all 16 political parties cleared to participate in the election, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, security agencies, and members of the public.
However, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, both of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), were absent. Their absence, which remains unexplained, attracted attention, although the APGA National Chairman, Chief Sly Ezeokenwa, who represented the party, could not offer reasons for it.
Despite the governor’s absence, Prof. Amupitan urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with electoral rules, assuring that the Commission was fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.
“This is a very critical meeting. We are nearing the finish line. The legal and operational frameworks for the election are clear and have been met. Campaigns will officially end by midnight on Thursday, while voting will hold on Saturday, November 8. INEC has made substantial progress, and the final list of candidates has been duly published,” Amupitan said.
He disclosed that over 24,000 ad-hoc staff would be deployed for the exercise, while 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to participate across 326 wards and 21 local government areas. He added that 168,187 of the voters were newly registered.
According to him, after Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) screening, 27,817 invalid registrations were expunged, leaving 140,370 valid new voters. He also noted that an additional 5,383 transfer applications were approved for participation in the election.
Amupitan further revealed that the Commission extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from October 29 to November 2, to ensure that all eligible voters could collect theirs, noting that about 63.9 percent had done so.
He said INEC had accredited thousands of agents representing political parties, civil society groups, and observers, as well as 500 journalists who would cover the exercise.
On logistics, he explained that the Commission had partnered with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure the smooth deployment of election personnel and materials.
The Commission, he added, would also deploy 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from other states, four National Commissioners, and 1,000 technical officers to support the local team. He assured that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would function effectively and that election results would be transmitted electronically in real time.
Amupitan warned that no unauthorized or non-state security personnel would be allowed to operate during the election, stressing that the Police had already banned such groups.
“We have made it clear that only accredited security agencies will be involved in this election. Any group or person parading as security outside those approved will be arrested. The law is very clear on that,” he said.
He also cautioned politicians and their agents against engaging in vote buying, ballot box snatching, or result manipulation.
“Let me be clear: anyone caught engaging in vote buying, ballot snatching, or tampering with election materials will face the full wrath of the law. We are working closely with security agencies to ensure full compliance,” Amupitan warned.
In their separate remarks, APC State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike; APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu; APGA National Chairman, Chief Sly Ezeokenwa; and PDP candidate, Chief Jude Ezenwafor, commended INEC for its readiness and pledged their support for a peaceful, credible election.
However, Ukachukwu raised concerns over the alleged use of non-state actors by the ruling APGA during the August 16 by-election in the state. He accused them of violence, intimidation, and ballot box snatching despite earlier warnings by the police.
He also decried the rising cases of vote buying, alleging that during the Onitsha State Constituency by-election, some voters were induced with cash ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000.
“If we truly want credible elections, we must end the culture of vote buying and political thuggery. These practices destroy democracy and the will of the people,” Ukachukwu said.
Responding, APGA National Chairman, Chief Sly Ezeokenwa, dismissed the allegations, saying his party remained committed to peaceful and credible elections.
“APGA has always been a law-abiding party. We do not believe in violence or inducement. Our campaign has been about performance and continuity. We call on all parties to focus on issues, not propaganda,” Ezeokenwa stated.
On his part, PDP candidate, Chief Jude Ezenwafor, urged INEC and security agencies to be vigilant and impartial throughout the process.
“We must get it right this time. Anambra people deserve a transparent election where their votes will count. I appeal to INEC and the security agencies to ensure neutrality and professionalism at all levels,” Ezenwafor said.
He also appealed to voters to come out en masse and exercise their civic duty peacefully.
“Our people must not be intimidated. Let them come out and vote their conscience; that’s how democracy thrives,” he added.
With just days to the poll, all eyes are now on INEC to deliver a process that reflects the will of the people and strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.