International observers and civil society organisations have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission for the transparent, efficient, and peaceful conduct of the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election, describing it as orderly and credible.
This is according to an e-signed statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC boss, Mr. Dayo Oketola, shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday.
According to the statement, reports monitored in the INEC Situation Room indicated smooth operations, improved voter turnout compared to 2021, and a calm atmosphere across polling units.
The statement said observers attributed the seamless process to INEC’s logistical coordination, technology deployment, and the leadership of Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.
The statement said Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates praised INEC’s preparedness and professionalism.
“The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr. Nkweke said while monitoring polling units in Awka, according to the statement.
The statement added that Dr Nkweke also commended security agencies.
“The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary.
“The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation,” Nkweke said, according to the statement.
The statement said Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates praised INEC’s preparedness and professionalism.
“The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr. Nkweke said while monitoring polling units in Awka, according to the statement.
The statement added that Dr Nkweke also commended security agencies.
“The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary.
“The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation,” Nkweke said, according to the statement.
On allegations of vote buying, Nkweke added: “We have not seen anything like that in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible.”
Civil society organisations also praised INEC’s early deployment of personnel and materials.
Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, noted, “Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34am in Amawbia, Awka South.
“Commencement of voting by 8:30 am, as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”
Similarly, Dominic Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency, said after voting at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu: “I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far. Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive.”
Chairman of Orumba South LGA, Shedrack Azubuike, also praised INEC officials.
“The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,” the statement said.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, the statement added, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to credible elections.
“Our duty is to the Nigerian people. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful,” the release quoted him as saying.
