FIC Report (Anambra State) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election by next month in Anambra State while calling on the media to remain steadfast in combating fake news and misinformation during the electioneering period.
Speaking at a Media Forum in Awka, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Mr. Olumekun assured that the Commission was fully prepared for the forthcoming election, with non-sensitive materials already delivered to Anambra State, while sensitive materials would arrive under strict security arrangements and further disclosed that INEC teams were in the state for a week-long readiness assessment visit, featuring meetings with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and a mock accreditation exercise aimed at ensuring a seamless electoral process.
The National Commissioner also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise were ready for collection at ward levels across the state. He cautioned that there would be no collection by proxy, urging media practitioners to mobilize registrants through their platforms to pick up their PVCs.
Olumekun explained that INEC’s collaboration with the media goes beyond formality, describing it as foundational to democracy while highlighting that the growing challenge of misinformation, fake news, manipulated videos and unverified claims could erode public trust, undermine the electoral process and create unnecessary tension.
He expressed optimism that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election would be peaceful, transparent, and credible, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In her remarks, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, expressed appreciation to journalists for their consistent support to the Commission since her assumption of office and commended the media for helping to douse political tension and simplify complex electoral issues for public understanding, describing journalists as partners in progress.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, represented by the Secretary, Dr. Okechukwu Onuegbu commended INEC for improvements in election management and urged the Commission to remain accessible to journalists, particularly during critical periods when clarifications are needed.
Speaking on the Electoral Act 2022, the Head of Legal Services, Mrs. Olachi Nwugo, underscored the importance of understanding the provisions of the law to avoid legal pitfalls and misinformation. She stressed that journalists play a vital role in enlightening the public on the Act guidelines, thereby promoting credible electoral processes.
In his presentation, the Head of Electoral Operations, Mr. Ejimofor Ejikeme, outlined voting procedures, explaining that polls will open at 8:30 a.m. using the Continuous Accreditation and Voting System (CAVS). He noted that priority voting would be granted to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, in line with INEC’s inclusivity policy.
Mr. Ejikeme further reminded journalists that the secrecy of the ballot must be strictly maintained, warning that the use of phones or photographic devices within voting cubicles is prohibited, as such acts could facilitate vote buying and undermine election integrity.
Signed
Ibeneme Maria Nkilimma
Sen. Info and Pub Relations Officer
24/10/25
