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The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has been praised by international observers and civil society organizations for conducting the current Anambra State Governorship Election in a transparent, effective, and peaceful manner. They have described the polls as highly credible and orderly.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oketola, kept an eye on reports from accredited observation groups in the INEC Situation Room. These reports revealed seamless operations, higher voter turnout than in 2021, and a serene environment throughout voting places.

Under the direction of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, INEC’s efficient technology deployment and logistical coordination were praised by both domestic and foreign observers.

Voting materials, BVAS deployment, and the presence of security agencies were “exceptionally well coordinated,” according to Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates, one of the recognized international observer groups, who commended INEC’s professionalism and readiness.

“The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr Nkweke said while monitoring polling units in Awka.

He also lauded the conduct of security agencies, saying, “The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation.”

On allegations of vote buying, he noted, “We have not seen anything like that in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible.”

CSOs applaud INEC for its early deployment and nonviolent behavior.

Additionally, civil society organizations have praised INEC for what they called a speedy, transparent, and well-coordinated process.

Yiaga Africa’s Director of Programs, Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, praised the early delivery of staff and materials and mentioned that voting started on time.

“Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South,” she said.

“Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”

Yiaga Africa prioritized the early start of polling as a crucial criterion of trust, according to Mbamalu, who called the early deployment a “positive sign of transparent elections.”

In a similar vein, after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu, Hon. Dominic Okafor, who represents Aguata Federal Constituency, praised INEC and voters for the orderly and peaceful conduct of the poll.

“I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far,” he said. “Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive.”

Speaking to reporters, Orumba South Local Government Area Chairman Shedrack Azubuike commended INEC staff for their professionalism and effective management of personnel and materials.

“The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,” he said.

In an interview with Channels Television, Jake Epelle, the founder of TAF Africa, confirmed that the state’s general security environment was quiet and described the Anambra people as peaceful and self-defending.

“The security situation is not something to worry about. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” Epelle said, urging citizens to overcome apathy and participate fully in the process.

In the meantime, observers have connected INEC’s thorough pre-election preparations to the election’s seamless execution. A record 98.8% of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected by the Commission, demonstrating remarkable voter preparedness and rising public trust in the electoral process.

A five-day extension from October 29 to November 2, 2025, along with decentralized, community-level distribution, allowed an astounding 2,769,137 of the 2,802,790 registered voters to pick up their PVCs.

INEC reported 100% collection rates in numerous sites, such as Ugbene (Awka North), Alor I, Bridge Head II, Ogbunike I & II, and Umunya I & II. Despite challenging topography, rural and riverine villages like Ayamelum and Anambra West also attained over 99%.

The numbers showed INEC’s administrative effectiveness and rising confidence under Prof. Amupitan’s direction, according to observers.

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, INEC Chairman, expressed pleasure with the calm environment throughout the state and reiterated the Commission’s steadfast commitment to fair and inclusive elections.

“Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful,” the Chairman said.

Both domestic and foreign observers have characterized the Anambra Governorship Election as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a blatant demonstration of the renewed faith in INEC’s leadership and electoral integrity, citing reports of smooth operations, excellent security coordination, and nearly complete PVC collection.

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