The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has issued a stern directive to staff of the Commission in Anambra State, warning that there must be no logistics failure in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election.
Speaking during a meeting with INEC staff at the Commission’s State Office in Awka on Monday, Prof. Amupitan said, “The eyes of the world are on us.” He emphasized that voting must commence promptly at 8:30 a.m. across all 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas, describing punctuality as the first test of a credible election.
“There must not be logistics failure,” he declared. “All election materials must leave the Registration Area Centres by 6:00 a.m. on election morning, and every vehicle, driver, and security operative must be stationed at their deployment points the night before.”
The INEC Chairman stated that over 45,000 police personnel, along with operatives from other security agencies, would be deployed to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct. He urged Electoral Officers to demonstrate diligence and integrity, noting that each staff member represents the face of the Commission.
“You are the INEC that people see,” he said. “The Resident Electoral Commissioner cannot be everywhere. Your discipline and professionalism will define the credibility of this election.”
On results management, Prof. Amupitan stressed the sanctity of Form EC8A, which records polling unit results. He directed presiding officers to ensure figures align with BVAS accreditation data, adding that any corrections must be made transparently in line with the Electoral Act.
Prof. Amupitan also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, citing the extension of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and special provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
He expressed concern over declining voter turnout in the state, urging staff to mobilise citizens to participate. “In 2013, turnout was around 25 percent. In 2017, it dropped to 20 percent, and in the last election, only about 10 percent of registered voters voted,” he said. “That is not acceptable. We must restore confidence in the process.”
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On logistics accountability, he cautioned that all hired vehicles must be deployed as approved, warning that the Commission would audit every aspect of logistics after the election.
“If an election fails to start on time, the Electoral Officer in that local government will have to explain why,” he said. “We will reward excellence but sanction negligence.”
Prof. Amupitan concluded with a rallying call for professionalism and patriotism, saying the Anambra Governorship Election would serve as a litmus test for INEC’s credibility.
“Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria,” he said. “Whatever happens here will echo across the country. Let us prove that INEC can deliver a credible, peaceful, and transparent election that strengthens democracy.”
