The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political parties and candidates in Anambra State, urging them to refrain from character assassination, family disputes, and malicious allegations during the 2027 general election campaigns. INEC's State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, emphasized that the commission will closely monitor campaign activities to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and other relevant regulations.
Dr. Agwu expressed concern over the trend of personal attacks during the 2025 governorship election, where some candidates allegedly resorted to mud-slinging instead of presenting their programs and policy proposals to voters. She stressed that campaigns should enable voters to assess candidates based on their competence, records, and manifestos, rather than personal issues. INEC aims to promote responsible political communication and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The REC warned that candidates who violate applicable electoral laws would face prosecution, and INEC would remain vigilant throughout the campaign period. She encouraged candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on their qualifications and policy proposals. This approach is expected to foster a more mature and issue-based electoral contest in Anambra State.
In addition to campaign conduct, Dr. Agwu announced that permanent voter cards (PVCs) for voters who transferred their polling units to Anambra State were ready for collection at designated registration areas. The voters' register for persons who registered between January and July 2026 is also being displayed for public scrutiny. This exercise aims to ensure the accuracy of voters' records and reduce errors ahead of the elections.
The REC urged local government chairmen, political party leaders, and other stakeholders to mobilize eligible voters to verify their registration details and report errors before the production of their PVCs. This verification process will enable INEC to make necessary corrections and improve the credibility of the electoral process. By emphasizing voter registration accuracy, INEC aims to ensure a reliable and transparent electoral process.
INEC is also taking steps to strengthen public confidence in the collation process by relocating collation centers from local government headquarters and other government facilities to neutral locations. The commission is working to improve the technology to be deployed during the 2027 elections, aiming to enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. These measures demonstrate INEC's commitment to a free, fair, and credible election.
As political activities gather momentum, INEC is urging parties and candidates to focus on the issues that matter to voters, while warning that attempts to substitute policy debates with personal attacks could attract legal consequences. The commission's position underscores its determination to promote responsible campaign conduct and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process in Anambra State.
Key points
- INEC warns Anambra candidates against personal attacks in 2027 election campaigns.
- PVCs for transferred voters are ready for collection.
- INEC to relocate collation centers to neutral locations.
