The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, on Friday declared the commission’s readiness to conduct hitch-free and credible 2027 general elections in the state.
Agwu gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of participating political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
She said there was an urgent need for those who registered between January and July during the continuous voter registration exercise to visit the commission’s headquarters or designated centres to check their names on the displayed register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The exercise began on Friday and will end on the 15th of the month.
Agwu urged political parties and their candidates to plan adequately, conduct themselves with decorum and campaign on the basis of their achievements and realistic promises about what they intended to do if elected, rather than making empty pledges.
She also disclosed that the commission was closely monitoring political parties’ campaign spending and urged them to conduct themselves responsibly, plan adequately and organise their activities properly.
“We in INEC are ready with the materials and everything. There will be no glitch in this one. There will be no preference for anyone. The person who scores the goal will be the winner. We have enough security, but if you are planning to cause trouble, have a rethink,” she said.
“We have 97 days left for the elections to take place; tell our people to go and register. Showcase your parties; tell the people what you want to do. People of Anambra State are interested in what you have done before and what you will do for them in the future. Don’t plan to scuttle the election because it’s not going to work.”
She added: “We have been able to train our staff in various stages because, as technology is improving, we are adapting too to technological developments. We have been able to procure about 5,720 BVAS. We have done an infrastructure audit to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2027 polls.”
The REC further warned political parties and their candidates that she would prosecute anyone who offered money to INEC staff to influence the electoral process.
“Go and do your homework, but if you want a shortcut, there is none. It’s not possible or feasible to destroy somebody’s destiny,” she said.
On PVC collection, Agwu stated that no payment was required, adding that applicants would be attended to in accordance with established procedures.
She urged those wishing to register ahead of the polls to do so, noting that the INEC portal remained open. She also disclosed that online training for ad hoc staff would commence next week.
Agwu further assured stakeholders that electoral malpractice would not be tolerated, noting that the 2027 general elections would bring to six the number of elections conducted in Anambra State under her watch without hitches.
On vote-buying, Agwu pointed accusing fingers at political parties, insisting that they must put their houses in order and conduct themselves responsibly to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
“Go out en masse and vote for candidates of your choice on election day, but don’t go out looking for trouble because there are security agencies everywhere. INEC is there to provide a level playing field,” she said.
The REC also disclosed that the commission had begun relocating its offices situated within local government secretariats in Anambra State and across the country to new locations as part of measures to curb electoral malpractice.
“We have awarded contracts for the construction of storage facilities and other structures. We have procured adequate vehicles and other electoral materials for the smooth conduct of the elections.
“All the LGA mayors should go around to sensitise people and create awareness at the grassroots in their councils, encouraging them to go out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice,” she advised.
“Election and election activities are no jokes. They are serious business,” she added.