By Nkechi Eze
In a determined move to ensure the credibility and integrity of the Voter Register ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its training arm, The Electoral Institute (TEI), on Thursday, 10th July 2025, organised a Methodology Workshop for field agents and local guides. The event was held at La Luna Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.
The workshop, which commenced at 10:00 a.m. with the rendition of the National Anthem, was aimed at equipping participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively conduct a comprehensive Voter Register Assessment (VRA). The VRA is expected to provide vital empirical evidence to guide strategic interventions that will enhance the accuracy and reliability of the Voters Register in the State.
In his opening remarks, which were delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Director, Library, the Acting Director-General of TEI, Professor Ibrahim Sani, warmly welcomed all participants and conveyed the goodwill of the Hon. Chairman of INEC and other Commission Members. He emphasized that the Voter Register Assessment is a strategic activity critical to ensuring a transparent and credible election process, and that the workshop was designed to empower the field agents with the technical competence needed to discharge this responsibility effectively.
“The VRA is intended to produce evidence-based insights that will guide the Commission’s strategic planning and ensure the integrity of the electoral process in Anambra State,” he said.
Delivering his message through the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth, the Chair of the Board of The Electoral Institute (BEI) reiterated INEC’s unwavering commitment to effective election planning and execution. He stated that the Commission is adequately preparing for the Anambra Governorship Election, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in all 326 Registration Areas (RAs) in the state.
Dr. Queen Elizabeth, while addressing the participants on behalf of the BEI Chair, stressed the importance of the VRA exercise, noting that it will serve as a foundational tool in fortifying the electoral process. She charged the field agents to carry out their responsibilities with the utmost integrity, credibility, and transparency. “INEC’s commitment to credible elections must be reflected in your actions. I urge you to be diligent and ensure this exercise is not compromised in any way,” she said.
Speaking in her personal capacity, Dr. Queen Elizabeth further reminded the participants of the weight of their responsibilities, emphasizing that their actions in the field could either strengthen or weaken the country’s democratic process. She warned them against sharing sensitive information with unauthorized persons and urged them to remain independent, professional, and committed throughout the assignment.
Participants were subsequently taken through the workshop programme and reminded of the participation criteria and the importance of adhering strictly to all procedures and ethical standards.
