The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct the upcoming senatorial bye-election scheduled for August 16 and the governorship election set for November 8, 2025. In separate interviews, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu and INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, outlined ongoing preparations and efforts to ensure the polls are peaceful, transparent, and well-organized.
Commissioner Orutugu emphasized that security arrangements are in full swing. He noted that regular meetings are being held among all security agencies, with strategic discussions focused on maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections. These meetings have also involved INEC, allowing both institutions to align their plans and strategies for a smooth electoral process. He expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support and appealed for continued assistance to further enhance the command’s capacity to secure the state.
On her part, REC Elizabeth Agwu highlighted that INEC is fully prepared, particularly for the governorship election. She announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence on July 8 and will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. However, she clarified that this registration exercise applies only to the governorship election, not the senatorial bye-election. She encouraged eligible voters to either register afresh or make necessary updates to their personal information. While new registrations must be done physically at designated INEC centers, data corrections can be completed online. She firmly stated that the commission will not accept registrations done on behalf of others or outside the approved hours.
Agwu added that all training for ad hoc staff has been finalized, and 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been configured in preparation for the polls. INEC has also partnered with the NYSC for the deployment of corps members as temporary election workers. She reminded the public that voter registration is entirely free and warned against paying any individual for registration services.
Furthermore, Agwu reassured voters that security would be a top priority. She disclosed that INEC has entered into agreements with transport unions to provide logistics, with proper payments guaranteed. Security operatives from across Nigeria will be deployed to ensure a safe voting environment. Finally, she urged the people of Anambra to come out in large numbers, emphasizing that there is no reason to fear and encouraging full participation in the democratic process.