Anambra guber poll: No room for logistics failure, Amupitan warns staff

Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged staff of the Commission in Anambra State to ensure flawless logistics and prompt commencement of voting in the November 8 governorship election, declaring that “the eyes of the world are on us.”

Amupitan gave the charge on Monday during a meeting with INEC staff at the Commission’s State Office in Awka as part of his final working visit ahead of the polls. The visit followed a series of readiness assessments across the state and coincided with the signing of a Peace Accord by political parties earlier in the day.

Describing the meeting as a “family gathering,” the INEC Chairman stressed that the credibility of the election depends largely on the conduct and professionalism of staff at all levels.

“There must not be logistics failure. The eyes of the world are on INEC, on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and on you, the Electoral Officers,” he warned. “Voting must begin at exactly 8:30 a.m. in all the 5,718 polling units across the 21 local government areas. That is non-negotiable.”

He directed that all election materials must leave the Registration Area Centres (RACs) no later than 6:00 a.m. on election day, with all vehicles, drivers, and security personnel deployed to their designated points the night before.

“If you don’t have to sleep on Friday, don’t sleep,” he said. “The first sign of a credible election is that it starts on time. We will not allow any delay in Anambra.”

The INEC boss disclosed that the Commission had concluded arrangements with the Inspector-General of Police for robust security coverage, including the deployment of over 45,000 police personnel alongside other security agencies.

He noted that training for Supervisory Presiding Officers and Presiding Officers had been completed, while urging staff to promptly report any emerging challenges through official communication channels.

Prof. Amupitan reminded staff of their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that their discipline, integrity, and diligence would determine the credibility of the election.

Turning to result management, he cautioned officers to handle Form EC8A with utmost care, describing it as “the pyramid of votes in Nigeria.” He urged presiding officers to ensure results are correctly recorded, stamped, and signed, and that figures align with BVAS accreditation data.

“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he said. “Any discrepancies must be corrected transparently in line with the Electoral Act. We cannot afford errors that undermine public confidence.”

On inclusivity, the Chairman reaffirmed that INEC had extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state and made provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to encourage participation.

Expressing concern about declining voter turnout in Anambra, Prof. Amupitan appealed to staff to help mobilise voters.

“In 2013, turnout was around 25 percent. In 2017, it dropped to about 20 percent, and in the last election, only about 10 percent participated. That is not acceptable,” he said. “We must restore confidence in the process.”

He further warned against malpractice in logistics management, revealing that INEC would audit all transport arrangements after the election.

Read also: INEC reaffirms readiness, pledges credible, inclusive Anambra governorship election

“If an election fails to start on time, the Electoral Officer in that local government will have to explain why,” he stated. “Anyone found to have compromised the process will be held accountable.”

Prof. Amupitan said the Commission would recognise outstanding performance by local government teams while sanctioning those who fall short.

“Excellence must be rewarded, and negligence will not be tolerated,” he said.

The INEC Chairman concluded with a call for professionalism and commitment, describing the Anambra governorship poll as a defining test for the Commission.

“Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria,” he declared. “Whatever happens here will echo across the country. Let us prove that INEC can deliver a credible, peaceful, and transparent election that strengthens democracy.”