Anambra Governorship Poll: Attacks In South East Won't Deter Us, Says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment and readiness to conduct the Anambra governorship election despite the recent attacks on its facilities in the region.

The Anambra governorship election was scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021. However, the South East has been hit by insecurity with gunmen attacking police facilities, burning INEC offices, and destroying electoral materials.

Despite the attacks, the electoral commission said it was engaging relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the violence and also proceed with the election.

The INEC decision was disclosed by the National Commissioner of the Commission Adekunle Ogunmola, after a strategic meeting that was held in Lagos.

“For INEC, it won’t be a difficult thing to plan for the Anambra election. We have had similar incidents in the past, for example in Ondo State where some card readers were burnt, we were able to make amends and we conducted that election without any hitch,” Ogunmola said.

The Commissioner added that “As for Anambra, I can assure you that we will conduct that election without any problem.”

Top officials of INEC across the country had gathered in Lagos to brainstorm on how to better conduct free, fair, and credible elections in the country.

The Commission said it was working on a strategic plan programme of action for 2022-2026.

It noted that the event is aimed at preparing and strategizing ahead of the forthcoming elections.

INEC has been badly hit by issues of insecurity and violence and they hope they will be able to find solutions to some of the contemporary and nagging problems.