INEC deploys 24,000 Ad Hoc staff for Anambra governorship poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will deploy about 24,000 ad hoc personnel across 5,718 polling units for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 28, 2025.

The National Commissioner supervising Anambra State and Chairman of the Tenders Board Committee, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, disclosed this at a press briefing on Saturday at the INEC state headquarters in Awka.

He also announced that 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election, assuring that the commission is fully ready to deliver a free, fair, and transparent process.

According to Ikeagu, INEC has developed a comprehensive operational plan that covers logistics, technology deployment, personnel training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.

As part of preparations, the commission recently conducted a mock accreditation exercise in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts to test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the result-upload process on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Ikeagu said the test recorded “smooth operations,” with accreditation completed in under six minutes and voting concluded within 36 minutes at each polling unit.

He added that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at ward levels will end on Sunday, October 25, with no extension expected unless directed by the commission’s headquarters.

To avoid delays on election day, Ikeagu assured that materials will be deployed early, including provisions for boats to reach riverine communities.

“The commission is fully prepared for this election,” he stated. “Voting will start by 8:30 a.m. and end by 2:30 p.m., and all voters in the queue before the closing time will be allowed to vote.”

Sixteen candidates from 16 political parties are contesting the election, including the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking re-election.

INEC appealed to voters to remain peaceful, orderly, and law-abiding as preparations for the election enter their final phase.