The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials to all local government areas in Anambra State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The exercise took place on Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka under the close supervision of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Awgu. The distribution process was conducted under tight security, with heavy deployment of security personnel to ensure order and transparency.
Party agents, civil society organisation representatives, and security operatives were also in attendance to monitor the movement of the election materials.
Among the sensitive materials distributed were the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B. According to INEC, these materials are being transported to the various Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the state in preparation for the election.
Speaking during the distribution, Dr. Awgu explained that the early commencement of the exercise was part of the commission’s strategy to guarantee that voting starts on time across all polling units.
She said, “People should come out and vote; participate in this election process. Do not stay at home thinking that your vote will not count, and do not assume that your candidate has already won. INEC is fully prepared for this election, and we are assuring the people of Anambra State of a credible and peaceful exercise.”
The Resident Electoral Commissioner added that party representatives and security officers jointly oversaw the process to enhance transparency. “We have been at the CBN since 9 a.m., and everything has gone smoothly without any challenges or complaints. This shows our readiness and commitment to delivering a credible election,” she said.
Awgu noted that INEC had made detailed preparations in collaboration with political parties, security agencies, and civil society groups to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. She reiterated that the three key categories of sensitive materials—BVAS, Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B—were being distributed to RACs for final deployment ahead of election day.
Security Measures Intensified
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Anambra State, Abayomi Shogunle, announced an increase in the number of security personnel deployed for the election. The initial figure of 45,000 officers has now been raised to 55,000.
According to Shogunle, the decision aims to ensure maximum security for voters, electoral officials, and materials across the 21 local government areas of the state.
“The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit. We want to guarantee voters’ confidence in coming out to cast their ballots without fear,” Shogunle explained.
He added that the deployed officers would be drawn from various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, and other sister organisations. “At least three security officers will be deployed to each polling unit across the state,” he stated.
The police commissioner, who was also present at the CBN office to monitor the distribution process, confirmed that the materials being moved included the BVAS devices and result sheets (Forms EC8A and EC8B) designated for the Saturday poll.
According to INEC, 16 candidates representing 16 registered political parties will contest in the November 8 governorship election, as they seek to unseat the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
What you should know
INEC has officially started distributing election materials across Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
The commission says it is fully prepared to ensure a credible process, with 55,000 security personnel deployed to protect voters, officials, and materials. Sixteen candidates are contesting the election, including the incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
