The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in Anambra State.
Speaking in Awka on Monday at the signing of the Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), Professor Amupitan commended the Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), for its sustained efforts in promoting non-violence and mutual respect during elections.
He said INEC was proud to be part of the Peace Accord initiative, which has become a vital platform for fostering unity and ensuring credible polls across the country.
“Let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace, but the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” he said. “Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.”
The INEC Chairman urged political parties and candidates to ensure the message of peace cascades to their supporters, stressing that democracy thrives only when peace prevails.
Professor Amupitan disclosed that 16 political parties will participate in the November 8 election, with a total of 2,802,790 registered voters. He said the Commission had made extensive logistical preparations for the deployment of 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, 21 local government areas, and the state collation centre in Awka.
He added that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has put in place robust security measures, including the deployment of 45,000 police personnel and 10,250 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Professor Amupitan assured that INEC remains resolute in combating vote-buying and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
“With the Peace Accord being signed today, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the collaboration of traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil society and the media, we are confident, by God’s grace, that the Anambra Governorship Election will be peaceful and successful,” he said.
