The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its readiness for tomorrow’s Anambra State Governorship Election, announcing that 98.8% of registered voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), one of the highest collection rates ever recorded in Nigeria.

Joash Amupitan, Chairman of INEC, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, following three days of stakeholder engagements in Anambra State.

“Our mission is clear: to ensure that every vote counts, that the will of the people prevails, and that the process is peaceful and credible,” Amupitan said.

INEC assured that neutrality and professionalism would be maintained throughout the exercise. “Impunity will not be tolerated,” the Chairman warned.

Amupitan expressed concern over the State’s history of low voter participation, urging citizens to turn out massively on Saturday.

He revealed that while Anambra has 2,802,790 registered voters, “turnout in previous elections has steadily declined — from 25.5% in 2013 to 10.27% in 2021.

“Democracy only thrives when citizens actively choose their leaders. Anambra must demonstrate the strength of its democracy by voting peacefully and massively,” he said.

As of Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had commenced distribution of three sensitive materials for the gubernatorial election.

Also, the number of security personnel for the election was increased from 55,000 to 60, 000 being part of the effort by operatives to ensure adequate security during the exercise.

At the Awka Branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), party agents were seen supervising the distribution of the sensitive materials by INEC officials under the watchful eyes of security operatives.

The sensitive materials include the BIVAS, forms EC8 A and EC 8, which according to Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the Resident Electoral Commission, would be sent to the Registration Area Centres (RAC).

“What we are doing here at the Central Bank of Nigeria is the delivery of the sensitive materials which are BIVAS, forms EC8 A and EC 8 B for the Saturday election”, Agwu said.

Also speaking, Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police for the election, announced that the number of security personnel which was 45,000 before, would be increased up to 55,000 to 60,000 following more deployment of officers and men of other sister security organizations.

“The increase is not to scare legible voters but to guarantee effective operations and protection of voters and electoral officials.

“The number would be increased to 55,000 as against the initial 45,000 personnel and they would immigration, NDLEA, DSS among others and we assure you all that it would be a free fair and transparent”, he said.

Shogunle further announced that the aim was also to have three security operatives in every polling unit across the state. (BusinessDay)