'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to ensure a seamless and joyful voting experience for Nigerians during the upcoming 2025 elections. This assurance was given by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the first regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting, which brought together key security agencies, law enforcement representatives, and INEC officials, focused on strategies to enhance election security and logistics for the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election set for February 21, 2026.
In his opening remarks, Professor Yakubu emphasized INEC’s commitment to delivering a peaceful and efficient electoral process. “Together, we should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond,” he declared, highlighting the Commission’s determination to build on the successes of previous elections.
The INEC Chairman outlined the scale of the upcoming elections, noting that the Anambra State Governorship election will involve 5,720 Polling Units, with results collated at 326 Ward centers, 21 Local Government Areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka. Similarly, the FCT Area Council election will cover 68 constituencies, including six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councillors, with voting taking place in 2,822 Polling Units.
Yakubu assured stakeholders that INEC would provide detailed delimitation information, including the locations of Polling Units, Registration Area Centres, and collation centers, to guide security agencies in their operational deployments. He also promised to share preliminary security assessments to address potential challenges, particularly in difficult terrains and riverine areas.
The INEC Chairman pointed to the successful management of logistics during the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election as a model for future polls. He credited improved coordination between security agencies and electoral officials for the early commencement of voting and the peaceful conduct of the election, despite the state’s challenging terrain.
“Our experience in the management of logistics during the last Ondo State Governorship election provides the template for future elections,” Yakubu stated. He expressed confidence that similar collaboration would ensure a smooth process in Anambra State.
One of the key challenges addressed during the meeting was the persistent issue of vote buying. Yakubu commended the collaboration between INEC and law enforcement agencies, particularly anti-graft bodies, in tackling the menace. He revealed that the partnership had led to the arrest and successful prosecution of vote buyers in three states.
The INEC Chairman also highlighted the need to address delegate-buying during party primaries, which he described as a precursor to vote buying on Election Day. With party primaries for the Anambra State Governorship election set to begin in March 2025, Yakubu urged continued vigilance and cooperation among stakeholders to curb electoral malpractices.
In a brief presented by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies were commended for their improved performance during the Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections. The use of technology, including drones and advanced communication systems, was credited for enhancing surveillance and enabling swift responses to incidents.
While voter turnout in both states was lower than expected, the conduct of electorates was largely peaceful, with only minor incidents of agitation due to logistical delays. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, assured that lessons learned from these elections would inform security strategies for the upcoming polls.
With multiple elections on the horizon, including 16 bye-elections to fill vacancies in the National and State legislative houses, 2025 promises to be a busy year for INEC and security agencies. Yakubu urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential challenges.
As Nigerians look forward to the Anambra and FCT elections, INEC’s promise of a “happy Election Day experience” offers hope for a more transparent, secure, and efficient electoral process. With improved logistics, enhanced security measures, and a renewed focus on combating malpractices, the Commission aims to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst,” Yakubu concluded, echoing a message of resilience and determination as the country prepares for another critical election cycle.
