The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made significant strides in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election, uploading 97.5% of results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as of 7:39 p.m. on Saturday.
A review of the INEC portal revealed that results from 5,577 out of the total 5,718 polling units across the state’s 21 local government areas have been successfully transmitted.
This near-complete upload underscores the commission’s commitment to real-time transparency, allowing voters, observers, and stakeholders to monitor outcomes live.
The election, which commenced around 8:30 a.m., saw participation from 18 candidates representing various political parties, including 16 men and two women.
Key frontrunners include incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), seeking re-election; Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); George Nnadubem Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP); Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and Paul Chukwuka Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), among others.
With 2,802,790 registered voters—women slightly outnumbering men—the poll was characterized by high PVC collection rates and robust security measures, contributing to a largely peaceful process.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, highlighted the event’s success in a statement, noting, “Reports of seamless operations, strong security coordination, and near-total PVC collection have led domestic and international observers to hail the Anambra governorship election as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
It stands as a clear testament to the renewed confidence in INEC’s leadership and electoral integrity.”
Observers from groups like Yiaga Africa and the Situation Room echoed this sentiment, praising the efficient use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV technology.
This marks one of the swiftest result transmissions in recent Nigerian gubernatorial polls, enhancing public trust in the process.
However, the day was not without challenges. Several politicians and candidates raised alarms over isolated incidents of vote-buying in certain communities, where voters reportedly received inducements to sway their choices. Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, who cast his vote in Anambra, condemned the practice as “selling your future for ₦30,000,” urging journalists and security agents to intensify efforts against it.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also intervened, arresting three individuals suspected of vote-buying in one local government area.
Additionally, reports emerged of an INEC official collapsing amid voting disruptions in another polling unit, while the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate alleged systemic vote-buying across multiple sites.
Despite these issues, overall voter turnout was described as moderate, with no widespread violence or major logistical hitches.
As collation continues at the state level, all eyes remain on the final tally, expected to be announced soon.
The outcome could reshape Anambra’s political landscape, with Soludo’s incumbency advantage pitted against strong opposition campaigns focused on economic reforms and security.
For updates, follow live coverage on major news platforms. INEC has reiterated that all results are verifiable and tamper-proof, reinforcing its pledge for a credible election.