KEY POINTS
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Election credibility remains the central concern among voters and observers.
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Stakeholders warn that election credibility hinges on fair logistics and security conduct.
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Civil groups say election credibility will determine trust in the 2027 polls.
As voters in Anambra prepare for a governorship election that will take place under a strong security presence, fresh worries about vote buying, and long-standing skepticism about the electoral commission’s dependability, they approach the polls tomorrow with a mixture of caution and anxiety.
Concerns over election credibility
The main source of contention is whether Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed chairman of INEC, can improve upon the problematic record of Mahmood Yakubu, his predecessor. Poor logistics, delayed supplies, BVAS breakdowns, and slow result uploads during the 2023 general elections raised concerns throughout Yakubu’s tenure in government. The public’s expectations will probably be shaped by Amupitan’s performance in Anambra, which will be his first significant test before the 2027 cycle. Though analysts say trust would depend on how INEC manages logistics, security coordination, and the numerous allegations regarding inducements at polling places, he has pledged a more robust and transparent commission.
There are 16 candidates on the ballot, and there are 2.8 million eligible voters who have registered to vote. Nearly 60,000 security personnel have been stationed at 5,720 polling stations. About 45,000 cops will be on duty, supported by tactical units, drones, and helicopters, according to Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle.
Civil society organizations are still cautious. Heavy militarization has repeatedly prevented nervous voters from visiting polling places, according to a warning from the rights advocacy group Intersociety. It referenced previous force displays that used explosives and armored vehicles to incite hostility.
According to The Guardian, Ayamelum, Awka South, Onitsha North, Orumba South, and Ekwusigo were identified by the CLEEN Foundation as high-risk locations, and the Civil Liberties Organization noted that poor voter education and ineffective sensitization efforts were barriers to voting.
INEC reforms and election credibility
In contrast, INEC claimed a PVC collecting rate of 98.8% following an extension of the pick-up period. Amupitan said the improvement reflects solid public preparation, though he admitted that turnout remains a critical worry. To guarantee that polls open on time throughout the state, INEC has deployed 6,879 BVAS devices, 24,000 ad hoc staff, thousands of vehicles, and dozens of boats.
Under the direction of Anambra REC Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the distribution of sensitive materials got underway yesterday. She insisted that the process will be transparent and asked people to disregard rumors of preset results.
Despite promises, several observers and political players don’t think tomorrow’s election will deviate significantly from past trends. The vote is expected to be a preliminary assessment of INEC’s capabilities under Amupitan and a sneak peek at the nation’s democratic trajectory before 2027, as key parties are pressing for last-minute mobilization.
