By Nkechi E
The Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has reaffirmed the Commission’s full readiness to conduct a credible, transparent, and inclusive governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Speaking at the third quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu assured Nigerians that the Commission remained steadfast in its mission to deepen democracy through continuous engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders.
“The Commission is working assiduously with security agencies and stakeholders at all levels to ensure a peaceful and credible Anambra Governorship Election,” she said. “We have completed ten out of the thirteen key activities in the timetable and are strictly on course to deliver as scheduled.”
She explained that the consultative forum, which is the third for the year, forms part of INEC’s ongoing dialogue with political parties aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, promoting transparency, and building public confidence in the electoral process.
Providing updates on preparations for the upcoming poll, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that all non-sensitive materials for the election had already been delivered to Anambra State, while voter education and sensitisation campaigns were ongoing across all local government areas. She also reminded political parties of the need to strictly adhere to the campaign timelines and other provisions outlined in the electoral timetable.
In a poignant moment, the Acting Chairman paid tribute to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, describing him as “a visionary leader who left behind a legacy of innovation, institutional strength, and integrity.” She noted that his tenure had laid a solid foundation upon which the Commission continues to build.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu further provided updates on other electoral activities, including the recently concluded bye-elections across 12 states on August 16, 2025. She also outlined ongoing preparations for the forthcoming elections: the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, the Ekiti Governorship Election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun Governorship Election on August 8, 2026.
On the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed nationwide on August 18, 2025, for online pre-registration and August 25 for in-person registration, the Acting Chairman revealed that the response from citizens had been overwhelmingly positive.
“The turnout is encouraging and reflects Nigerians’ faith in democracy and their confidence in the Commission’s determination to ensure that every eligible voter is given the opportunity to participate in choosing their leaders,” she said.
Highlighting the growing interest in Nigeria’s political space, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu also disclosed that the Commission had received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, with 14 of them meeting the constitutional and legal requirements to proceed to the next stage.
Expressing appreciation to political parties for their constructive engagement, she assured them that INEC would continue to uphold the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the protection of the people’s mandate. “Together, we will continue to strengthen the foundations of our democracy and ensure that every election further consolidates the will of the people,” she declared.
Delivering a goodwill message at the meeting, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu on her appointment and commended the Commission for maintaining regular consultations with political parties.
He pledged IPAC’s continued partnership with INEC in consolidating democratic gains while urging the Commission to sustain the reforms initiated under Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s leadership. “INEC must continue to justify the confidence reposed in it by citizens,” he said. “The Anambra Governorship Election will be the litmus test for the new leadership. We are confident that under Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, the Commission will get it right.”
Dr. Dantalle also called for swift legislative action on pending constitutional and electoral reform proposals, including the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, the creation of special seats for women, and the transfer of local government election responsibilities to INEC to ensure uniform standards nationwide.
He assured that political parties under the IPAC umbrella would continue to support INEC in its efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.
With the Anambra Governorship Election drawing closer, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s reassurance has renewed public confidence in INEC’s preparedness to deliver a credible process, one that reflects the will of the people and strengthens the pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
