By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Anambra State Governorship Election has been praised by domestic and international observer groups for its transparency, orderliness, and peacefulness. This was announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, stated that reports from accredited observer missions showed smooth operations at polling units, improved voter turnout, and efficient deployment of election materials and technology.
Observers commended the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the early arrival of officials and materials at many locations. Ambassador Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates praised INEC’s preparedness and professionalism, saying, “The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient.”
Emmanuel Nkweke also praised the conduct of security agencies. He said, “The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation.” He also said that there was no evidence of vote buying in the areas observed.
Other observers, including Cynthia Mbamalu of Yiaga Africa, praised the early arrival of materials and personnel. She said, “Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South. Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”
Local politicians, including Hon. Dominic Okafor, commended INEC and voters for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election. Dominic Okafor said, “I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far. Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive.”
The Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Shedrack Azubuike, praised INEC officials for their professionalism and efficient handling of materials and personnel. He said, “The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work.”
Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa, described the security atmosphere in the state as calm, saying, “The security situation is not something to worry about. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves.”
Observers attributed the smooth conduct of the election to INEC’s extensive pre-election preparations, including a record 98.8 per cent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate.
