NIGERIA: INEC Commences Materials Sharing For Anambra Guber As CJID Observers Report Calm, Security Surge Across LGAs

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the sharing of election materials across Anambra State ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election, with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) observers confirming organized preparations, robust security presence, and ongoing logistical coordination in multiple local government areas.

A CJID observer reported at 3:36 p.m. from Onitsha South that the Electoral Officer (EO) was still holding a crucial meeting, while NYSC corps members from Delta State not assigned to the LGA were being redistributed across the remaining 20 LGAs to ensure balanced staffing. At 4:03 p.m. in Awka South, a CJID observer noted security personnel actively distributing identification tags to all officers on duty at the INEC office.

In Awka North, another observer confirmed at 4:11 p.m. that security teams were fully deployed at the LGA headquarters in preparation for the gubernatorial poll. Meanwhile, in Nnewi South, a CJID observer reported at 4:11 p.m. that discussions between the EO and Presiding Officers on material distribution were ongoing without a final decision.

It was also observed that there is a highly organized setting in Anambra East at 4:14 p.m., where non-sensitive materials had already been shared and loaded onto buses, despite limited space forcing some personnel to wait outside, with more buses arriving and a strong security presence parading the venue. In Ihiala, a CJID observer reported at 3:52 p.m. that sensitive materials were yet to be distributed, but ad-hoc staff and security were on ground verifying names, with the atmosphere remaining calm.

Another CJID observer reported at 4:23 p.m. from an INEC office that corps members and other ad-hoc staff were on site awaiting their materials.

With over 2.8 million registered voters and 98.8% PVC collection rate, INEC has deployed 6,879 BVAS machines and over 24,000 trained ad-hoc staff across 5,718 polling units. Security has been bolstered with 55,000 personnel, including 45,000 police officers, to ensure safety. The election features 16 candidates, with voting set to commence simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.