INEC Completes 10 Out of 13 Critical Pre-Election Activities For Anambra guber -INEC Ag Chairman
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acting chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has revealed that the commission has completed 10 out of 13 critical pre-election activities for Anambra state governorship race, which include; delivery of non-sensitive materials, voter education, and coordination with security agencies at all levels.
Agbamuche-Mbu revealed this on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a high-level consultative meeting between the INEC and leaders of registered political parties in Nigeria. The meeting which was her first official engagement since she took over the leadership of the commission under acting capacity from the immediate past chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
She noted that the only outstanding tasks the commission needs to undertake before the Anambra guber is the publication of the Notice of Poll (October 25), end of campaigns (November 6), and election day itself (November 8).
According to her, “INEC will strictly adhere to its timetable and ensure that every activity proceeds as scheduled,” she assured. “We call on political parties to observe the rules, especially regarding the last day of campaigns.”
She also disclosed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed nationwide in August, has recorded impressive participation, stressing that its a pointer to the fact that Nigerians despite ups and downs still believe in democracy and in their power to choose their leaders.
Meanwhile, she announced that 14 new political associations have met the requirements to advance to the final registration stage, out of the 171 applications received.
Agbamuche-Mbu reiterated the Commission’s readiness for other off season polls, including the FCT Area Council elections (February 21, 2026), Ekiti governorship election (June 20, 2026), and Osun governorship election (August 8, 2026), describing them as vital “stepping stones to a stronger 2027 general election.”
“We will not fail Nigerians. We will consolidate the legacy of innovation, integrity, and institutional growth left behind by Professor Mahmood Yakubu,” she opined.
However, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Agbamuche-Mbu on her appointment but warned that “citizens’ expectations are very high, and the Commission must justify the confidence reposed in it.”
“After 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigeria must get it right,” Dantalle charged. “Our people deserve the real dividends of constitutional rule not promises that vanish after every election.”
IPAC, he revealed, has made far-reaching reform proposals to the National Assembly Committees on Constitutional and Electoral Review, including: Abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and transfer of local government election responsibilities to INEC; Reservation of special seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities;
Others include, restoration of public funding for political parties to ensure a level playing field; creation of an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute election violators; and the removal of the President’s power to appoint INEC Chairman and Commissioners to guarantee institutional independence.
“The time for half-measures is over,” Dantalle said. “If we want credible elections, INEC must be free from political influence. The National Assembly must act fast time is of the essence.”
He emphasized that the November 8 Anambra Governorship Election would serve as the litmus test of INEC’s capacity under new leadership.
“That election will set the tone for FCT, Ekiti and Osun, the all-important 2027 general elections. INEC must get it right,” he warned.
It was however resolved between INEC and IPAC that credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections are essential to restoring citizens’ trust and curbing voter apathy, which worsened after the 2023 general polls.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to a credible 2027 election cycle anchored on early voting, e-transmission of results, gender inclusivity, and institutional independence.
“We are all in it together to build a better, greater, and just democratic society,” Dantalle concluded.
Core Reporters report that with less than a month to the Anambra governorship election, all eyes are on INEC’s new leadership to deliver a process that could redefine the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy.
