By Vin.Oliji Abuja
Ahead of the November 8 Governorship Election in Anambra State, the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, has outlined preparations for the polls at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Media Executives.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu announced that 10 out of 13 key activities in the election timetable had already been completed, with the remaining three: Publication of Notice of Poll, End of Campaigns, and Election Day, on course and without delay.
She noted that all non-sensitive materials had been delivered to the state and that voter education and sensitisation were ongoing.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu said that INEC’s Media Accreditation Portal for the Anambra election, which opened on September 1, had received applications from 43 media organisations seeking accreditation for 363 personnel.
She reminded journalists that the portal would close at midnight on October 24, with no extension, stressing that the accreditation tags issued by the Commission carry security codes that can be verified by security agencies.
The Acting Chairman also briefed stakeholders on other ongoing electoral activities, including preparations for the FCT Area Council Elections scheduled for February 2026, as well as the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which will run until August 2026.
She noted that the impressive turnout for the CVR reflected Nigerians’ faith in democracy and the Commission’s efforts to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their franchise.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and credibility, assuring them that the Commission would continue to engage stakeholders regularly to strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
“Our democracy is stronger when citizens are informed, engaged, and confident in the process,” she said. “We will continue to work hand in hand with the media, civil society, and all stakeholders to safeguard the vote and deepen our democratic culture,” Agbamuche Mbu remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations, the Executive Director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, emphasised that sub-national elections, such as the upcoming Anambra poll, depend greatly on the competence and integrity of Resident Electoral Commissioners and Electoral Officers who oversee them.
He expressed confidence that under the Acting Chairman’s leadership, INEC would consolidate on the innovations introduced in recent electoral cycles, especially the deployment of technology that enhances transparency.
Speaking on behalf of media leaders, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Yahaya Alhassan, commended INEC for sustaining its tradition of open engagement with the press, which he described as a critical stakeholder in the success of the electoral process.
He described the media as a vital partner in democracy, not only as observers but as facilitators of transparency and public confidence.
“The media must continue to inform citizens, hold political actors accountable, and ensure that the electoral process is reported with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between INEC and journalists covering elections, including training, improved access to information, and support for fact-checking to counter misinformation.