By Ameh Gabriel | Media360Impact
Awka, Anambra State — October 21, 2025
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its full preparedness for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, pledging to deliver a free, fair, and credible poll.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, mni, made the declaration on Tuesday during a forum for media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities held at La-Luna Hotel, Awka.
The forum, organized as part of INEC’s ongoing stakeholder engagement, brought together top journalists and media professionals in Anambra State to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and the media ahead of the poll.
“Media Partnership Is the Oxygen of Democracy” Olumekun
In his keynote address, Mr. Olumekun commended journalists for their professionalism and balanced reportage during previous elections, especially the recent by-election in the state. He described the media as “the oxygen of democracy,” emphasizing their vital role in shaping public understanding, promoting voter education, and ensuring accountability.
“This forum is not just another pre-election event. It is a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media our indispensable partners in nation-building,” Olumekun said.
“You upheld journalistic ethics, resisted sensationalism, and ensured facts, not falsehoods, guided public understanding. For this, the Commission says thank you.”
He noted that democracy thrives only when citizens are well-informed and urged the media to continue amplifying voter education messages and countering misinformation that could undermine electoral integrity.
INEC Ready for November 8 Election
Providing updates on the Commission’s level of preparedness, Olumekun disclosed that all non-sensitive election materials have already been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive under tight security arrangements.
According to him, the Commission is currently undertaking a week-long readiness assessment visit to Anambra, which includes meetings with key stakeholders such as the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise.
“These activities send a clear message: INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State,” he assured.
He further announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise are now available for collection between Wednesday, October 22 and Sunday, October 26, 2025 across registration wards.
“There will be no collection by proxy. We seek your support to mobilize registrants through your platforms to pick up their PVCs to participate in the election,” he appealed.
Curbing Misinformation and Fake News
Mr. Olumekun warned against the dangers of fake news and misinformation, describing them as major threats to electoral integrity and peace.
“False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust. Let truth remain your only compass,” he urged.
“As the saying goes, a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes. Let us ensure that truth runs faster this election season.”
Media Accreditation and Access Control
Olumekun reminded journalists that the online accreditation portal for media coverage of the Anambra election, which opened on September 1, 2025, will close at midnight on Thursday, October 24, 2025, stressing that there will be no extension.
He disclosed that accredited journalists will collect their tags from the NUJ Secretariat, Awka, beginning Monday, November 3, 2025. Each tag, he noted, will carry a unique barcode that can be scanned by security agencies to verify journalists’ details a new measure designed to enhance access control and strengthen security at election venues.
“Accreditation ensures that journalists are properly identified, have access to designated areas, and can discharge their duties with full cooperation from the Commission,” he said.
A Call for Sustained Partnership
Concluding his address, the INEC National Commissioner reaffirmed that the Commission’s relationship with the media is foundational, not transactional, emphasizing that both institutions share a collective duty to safeguard democracy through truth, education, and civic engagement.
“We are united by a shared belief that democracy must be protected not only at the polling units but in the minds of citizens who rely on information to make informed choices,” Olumekun said.
“Together, let us ensure that the Anambra Governorship Election of 2025 becomes another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey peaceful, transparent, and credible.”
