INEC VOWS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VOTE BUYING IN ANAMBRA ELECTION
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that it will not tolerate vote buying or any form of electoral malpractice in the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this known in Abuja during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). He cautioned that anyone caught attempting to induce voters would be arrested, as security agencies are fully prepared to maintain order.
Amupitan revealed that 24,000 personnel would be deployed across 5,718 polling units, with voting suspended in two units due to the absence of registered voters. Results will be collated at 326 Ward Centres, 21 LGA Collation Centres, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.
For logistics, INEC has engaged 200 buses and 83 boats, partnering with major transport unions including NATO, NURTW, and MWUN for smooth movement of election materials and staff.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, said there would be tight surveillance, strong security presence, and improved intelligence to stop any attempt to disrupt the process.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Commissioner Abayomi Sogunle, announced that 45,000 police officers would be deployed to ensure safety during the election.
In a goodwill message, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafi’u, reaffirmed the Corps’ support for the election and urged Anambra residents to protect Corps members serving as ad-hoc staff.