By John Dike, Osogbo
The Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States.
She gave the assurance during the third quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders, held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu emphasized that the Commission remains resolute in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through continuous engagement with critical stakeholders.
“The Commission is working assiduously with security agencies and stakeholders at all levels to ensure a peaceful and credible Anambra Governorship Election,” she said.
The Acting Chairman noted that 10 out of 13 key activities in the Anambra election timetable have already been completed, stressing that INEC is on course to deliver a smooth and transparent exercise.
She further confirmed that all non-sensitive materials have been deployed to the state, while voter education and sensitization campaigns are ongoing across all Local Government Areas.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu urged political parties to strictly adhere to campaign guidelines and timelines as provided in the electoral timetable.
She also paid tribute to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, describing him as “a visionary leader who left behind a legacy of innovation, institutional strength, and integrity.”
In addition to the upcoming Anambra election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Acting Chairman also provided updates on other electoral activities, including the FCT Area Council Elections on 21st February 2026, the Ekiti Governorship Election on 20th June 2026, and the Osun Governorship Election on 8th August 2026.
She equally highlighted the successful conduct of bye-elections in 12 states on 16th August 2025.
On the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed nationwide on 18th August 2025 for online pre-registration and 25th August for in-person registration,
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that the turnout has been impressive, reflecting citizens’ renewed faith in democracy and confidence in INEC’s electoral process.
“The response shows Nigerians’ faith in democracy and the Commission’s resolve to ensure every eligible voter can participate in choosing their leaders,” she stated.
She also revealed that INEC had received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, out of which 14 met the constitutional and legal requirements to proceed to the next stage.
The Acting Chairman appreciated political parties for their constructive engagement and cooperation, assuring them of INEC’s unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the protection of the people’s mandate.
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the foundations of our democracy and ensure that every election further consolidates the will of the people,” she concluded.
In his goodwill message, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu on her appointment and commended INEC for maintaining regular consultations with political parties.
He described the Anambra Governorship Election as “a litmus test” for the new leadership and expressed confidence in INEC’s capacity to deliver credible polls.
Dr. Dantalle also called for expedited legislative action on key electoral reforms, including the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, special seats for women, and the transfer of local government elections to INEC to ensure uniformity and enhanced credibility.
“INEC must continue to justify the confidence reposed in it by citizens. Political parties under IPAC’s umbrella will continue to support the Commission,” he affirmed.
