From David Onuoja, Abuja
As part of efforts to improve Nigeria Electoral system, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has recruited and deployed about 3456 Sign Language Interpreters across polling units in Anambra State.
This to allow registered voters with disabilities in the State, exercise their civic rights without hiccup.
Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of INEC, who declared this during the second day Stakeholders meeting held in Awka, Anambra State, said, INEC in collaboration with TAFAfrica, has taken this decision; which he described as a landmark in the electoral history of Nigeria.
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He equally said that, all the uncollected PVCs cards will be retrieved from the 21 Local Government Areas in the state before election day and safely kept at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election. This, he said will address the unsatisfactory voter apathy during the election.
According to INEC boss, “after publishing the final list of Parties and it’s candidates, Consequently, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate, while four other parties (namely Accord (A), AAC, Labour Party (LP), and NNPP) replaced their Deputy Governorship candidates. Making it a total of 16 political parties that will participate in the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.”
Professor Amupitan also said that, 114 Observer Groups, 76 media organisations who deployed over 500 journalists to provide comprehensive coverage of the election; including thousands of agents representing candidates and political parties at the 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka were accredited.
“Accreditation tags and Vehicle stickers for election duty are available for collection from our State Office. The date and venue for their collection will be announced soon.”
He added that the safety of personnel, observers, materials and voters among others would be taking care of. “This concern was duly communicated to security agencies at the last ICCES meeting at the Commission headquarters last week. I am pleased to report that they have provided firm assurances of a secure electoral environment. The Inspector-General of Police will provide further details shortly”, he said.
Amupitan reiterated his commitment in ensuring nothing hinder the processes of the election which includes transportation and the materials such as BVAS and IRev.
On the conducts of electoral officers during elections; he said “Let’s all say ‘NO’ to vote-buying and all forms of election rigging. We have informed all the Electoral Officers that there should be strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Election Guidelines and we read out the riot act clearly to them; deviations and misconduct by poll officers will have grave consequences, while compliance and diligence will be rewarded.
