Anambra Gubernatorial Election: INEC Urges Media to Combat Misinformation, Support Democratic Process

Nigerian electoral authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to conducting a credible gubernatorial election in Anambra State next month, while emphasizing the crucial role media will play in ensuring democratic transparency.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced at a media forum in Awka on Tuesday that preparations are well underway for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election. Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, addressed journalists at the event, highlighting the commission’s readiness to deliver a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

“This forum is a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media—our indispensable partners in nation-building,” Olumekun stated. He characterized the media as “the oxygen of democracy” and called for continued professionalism in election coverage.

According to Olumekun, INEC has made significant logistical progress ahead of the poll. All non-sensitive materials have already been delivered to Anambra State, while sensitive materials will arrive “in due course under strict security arrangements.” The commission is currently conducting a comprehensive week-long readiness assessment, which includes strategic meetings with key stakeholders such as the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and transport unions.

A mock accreditation exercise is also being conducted to identify and address potential operational challenges before election day. This proactive approach reflects INEC’s efforts to avoid the logistical failures that have plagued some previous Nigerian elections.

For Anambra voters who recently registered during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be available for collection between October 22-26, 2025, at registration ward levels throughout the state. Olumekun emphasized that proxy collection would not be permitted, urging media outlets to help mobilize eligible voters to collect their cards.

The commission has also implemented new protocols for media accreditation. Journalists planning to cover the election must complete their online registration by October 24, with no extensions to be granted. Collection of accreditation tags will begin on November 3 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Awka. These tags will feature innovative barcode technology allowing security personnel to verify credentials by scanning—an important security enhancement for an election in a state that has experienced political violence in previous electoral cycles.

Olumekun particularly highlighted the danger of misinformation in the electoral process, cautioning media practitioners against amplifying unverified information. “False stories and manipulated videos can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust,” he warned, adding that truth should remain journalists’ “only compass.”

The upcoming Anambra election holds particular significance in Nigeria’s political landscape. As one of the five southeastern states, Anambra has historically been a political battleground with strong influence from regional parties. The state has also been grappling with security concerns in recent years, making the electoral commission’s preparedness especially crucial.

Election management in Nigeria continues to face evolving challenges, with INEC working to rebuild public confidence following controversies in past elections. The Anambra governorship election will be an important test of the commission’s reforms and technological improvements ahead of the next general elections.

Olumekun concluded by describing INEC’s relationship with the media as “not transactional but foundational,” emphasizing their shared responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes. He expressed optimism that with proper collaboration, the Anambra election would serve as “a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey—peaceful, transparent, and credible.”

The election is scheduled to take place across all local government areas in Anambra State on November 8, 2025.