The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has pledged that the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council polls will be conducted transparently.
The assurance was given by the chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a strategic meeting in Abuja to review preparations for the elections.
The session also discussed the conduct of party primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship races in Ekiti and Osun States.
Yakubu said INEC was committed to ensuring that every stage of the process would meet the expectations of voters.
“We are determined to deliver credible and transparent elections in Anambra and the FCT,” he told senior officials of the commission.
The chairman also announced the approval of promotions for 471 junior staff members, following recommendations from the Appointment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee. He said the decision reflected INEC’s resolve to reward merit and strengthen internal capacity.
The 2023 general elections, though widely regarded as a significant democratic milestone, were marred by technical glitches and court challenges.
Anambra State has long been a political battleground, with its governorship elections closely watched for their competitive nature and influence in the southeast region.
Civil society groups and international observers have repeatedly urged INEC to strengthen transparency in voter accreditation, result transmission and collation to build public trust.
The commission has gradually expanded the use of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), but concerns remain about its reliability and resistance to interference.
Yakubu urged political parties and stakeholders to play their part in ensuring a peaceful and credible process. He stressed that INEC would continue engaging with security agencies, civil society, and the media to guarantee free, fair and inclusive elections.
