Tension and anticipation fill Anambra State as voters head to the polls today to elect a new governor under tight security. More than 60,000 security personnel have been deployed across the 21 local councils to safeguard the exercise, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says will be free, fair, and transparent. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s full readiness, noting a 98.8% Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate-one of the highest in recent Nigerian elections.

This election marks Amupitan’s first major test as INEC Chairman and is expected to shape public trust in the Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections. Over 2.8 million registered voters are eligible to participate, with 16 candidates vying for the state’s top seat. INEC has deployed 6,879 BVAS devices, 24,000 ad hoc staff, and comprehensive logistics to ensure all 5,720 polling units open on time and that results are transmitted transparently.

Civil society groups, however, have cautioned against what they call the “militarisation” of the electoral process, urging security forces to remain professional and non-intimidating. Analysts say the Anambra governorship election will be a critical test of INEC’s credibility, logistics, and ability to inspire voter confidence. A peaceful and credible outcome could boost faith in Nigeria’s democracy, while failure may deepen public scepticism about electoral integrity.

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