The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to convene a crucial stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday in Awka, Anambra State, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
The meeting, according to INEC, is aimed at fostering dialogue among political actors, community leaders, and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.
Prominent figures expected to attend include former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze; businessman and philanthropist, Sir Emeka Offor; and the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi.
Also expected are representatives of political parties, governorship candidates, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and security operatives involved in election duty.
INEC officials disclosed that the meeting will provide an opportunity to review the Commission’s level of preparedness for the election, including logistics, voter education, and the deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive materials.
The Commission will also use the platform to brief stakeholders on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other innovations aimed at enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State is expected to present updates on the security arrangements and measures put in place to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials, and materials.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, calling on all participants to play by the rules and maintain peace before, during, and after the poll.
The stakeholders’ meeting comes amid intense political activity across Anambra, as parties and candidates make last-minute efforts to mobilise supporters ahead of Saturday’s crucial governorship election.
