Anambra Poll: INEC Team Arrives for Mock Accreditation, Others
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have arrived in Anambra State ahead of the mock accreditation exercise scheduled to test the readiness of the commission’s systems and personnel ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The exercise, which will take place across selected polling units in all 21 local government areas of the state, is aimed at assessing the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), voter turnout response, and logistical preparedness before the main election.
According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the mock accreditation is a crucial part of the commission’s strategy to ensure a credible, transparent, and hitch-free election.
“This exercise allows us to identify and address potential technical or operational challenges before election day. We urge voters in the selected areas to participate fully, as this will help improve our processes,” Olumekun said in a statement.
He explained that the mock accreditation will also serve as a confidence-building measure, giving voters and political stakeholders the opportunity to observe the commission’s level of preparedness and the effectiveness of its technology deployment.
INEC officials have begun distributing sensitive and non-sensitive materials to the participating polling units, while security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and DSS, have been mobilized to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, assured that all logistics and contingency plans were in place, noting that the commission was determined to deliver a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the people.
“We have trained our ad-hoc staff extensively on the use of BVAS and other election management tools. The mock accreditation will help us perfect any remaining gaps before the main poll,” she stated.
Observers from civil society groups, local and international organizations, as well as representatives of political parties, are expected to monitor the process.
The forthcoming Anambra governorship election has already generated political interest, with parties intensifying campaigns and voter sensitization efforts across the state.
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