The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed its readiness to conduct the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 8th November.
Dr Queen Agwu, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Awka on Wednesday.
Agwu reassured the public that INEC was fully prepared for the off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State.
“We are ready for the Anambra governorship election, hoping that political parties and politicians are also making their own preparations,” she stated.
She stressed that INEC was committed to ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
Apart from the governorship election, two bye-elections will also be conducted in the state.
These include: the Anambra South Senatorial by-election, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah; the Onitsha North State Constituency by-election, to fill the seat left vacant due to the kidnap and murder of Mr Justice Azuka of the Labour Party.
Agwu clarified that these elections could not be held on the same day but assured that INEC was equally prepared for them.
The REC urged political parties and candidates to adhere to electoral regulations and begin mobilising their supporters, conducting sensitisation, and organising transparent primaries.
She assured political stakeholders that the Federal Government would provide the necessary funding for INEC to execute its duties effectively.
“We will conduct free, fair, and credible elections in Anambra,” she reassured.
Agwu commended the media for fostering peace in Anambra through accurate and balanced reporting.
“Since my arrival in Anambra, I have engaged with the media to ensure credible information dissemination, preventing misinformation,” she noted.
She also encouraged journalists to continue their objective reporting as the election approaches.
Ahead of the November election, INEC has initiated several preparatory measures, including: Updating the voters’ register; Strengthening technological systems; Recruiting additional personnel, including ad hoc staff and transporters; Collaborating with security agencies to enhance safety, building on their 2021 performance.
“No election is small; every election is important, and we are treating this one with utmost seriousness,” Agwu concluded.