…as REC reaffirms INEC’s readiness to deliver a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election.
AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed the distribution of all sensitive election materials to the 21 local government areas of Anambra State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The materials, including ballot papers, result sheets (Forms EC8A and EC8B), and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices –were distributed on Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka. The exercise was witnessed by representatives of political parties, election observers, security agencies, and the media.
Addressing journalists during the distribution, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to deliver a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election.
“By tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, these materials will be moved to the Registration Area Centres (RACs), where hands-on training will be conducted before final deployment to polling units on Saturday morning,” Dr. Agwu said.
She commended journalists for their contribution to electoral transparency and appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers. “Our preparations are like a delicious meal waiting to be eaten. If people fail to show up, it may go sour,” she said with a smile.
Anambra State has a total of 5,718 polling units, where votes will be cast and results collated.
Security preparations are also in top gear. The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, who supervised the distribution of materials, assured residents of adequate protection throughout the process.
“Over 55,000 security personnel have been deployed across the state. Each polling unit will be manned by at least three officers to ensure safety and orderliness,” he said.
INEC officials confirmed that Electoral Officers have successfully taken delivery of materials for their respective local government areas, marking the final stage of logistical preparations before voters head to the polls on Saturday.
