INEC Boasts 98.8% PVC Collection, Deploys 60,000 Security Officers Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election
Story: written by Joseph November 7,2025
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is fully prepared for Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, confirming that 98.8% of registered voters have successfully picked up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)—one of the highest collection rates ever seen nationwide.
Addressing journalists at the INEC headquarters in Abuja after a three-day engagement with stakeholders in Anambra State, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and order.
“Our objective is simple: a peaceful, credible process where the voices of the electorate are heard and reflected,” Amupitan stated.
He cautioned that the Commission will not tolerate any form of electoral misconduct and urged citizens to turn out in large numbers, expressing worry over Anambra’s declining voter turnout. Despite having 2,802,790 registered voters, participation has dropped from 25.5% in 2013 to just 10.27% in the 2021 governorship election.
“Democracy survives only when people choose their leaders through the ballot. Anambra must show strength by coming out to vote peacefully,” he added.
Meanwhile, INEC has commenced distribution of sensitive election materials, including BIVAS and Forms EC8A and EC8B, at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Awka. Party representatives, security agents, and INEC officials were present to monitor the process.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, explained that the materials would be moved to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) ahead of the poll.
Also speaking, Abayomi Shogunle, the Commissioner of Police for the election, announced the deployment of up to 60,000 security personnel—an increase from 45,000—to guarantee safety for voters and officials. According to him, the deployment includes the police, DSS, NDLEA, immigration officials, and other agencies.
“The increase is not to frighten eligible voters, but to ensure full security coverage. We aim to have at least three security officers in each polling unit across the state. The election will be transparent, free, and fair,” he assured.
