Anambra State Urges Swift PVC Collection as Governorship Election Draws Near

 

By: O'star Eze

 
With less than three weeks until the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the state's 21 local government areas. The exercise, targeting newly registered voters, those who transferred their voting rights, and applicants for replacements during the July 2025 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), kicked off on Tuesday and will run through Monday, October 27.

INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agbu, emphasized the urgency of the collection process during a press briefing in Awka today. "This is a critical step to ensure every eligible voter participates in what promises to be a pivotal election for Anambra's future," Dr. Agbu stated. "We are fully prepared, with all non-sensitive materials already deployed to the local governments, and sensitive ones set to follow under stringent security measures."

According to INEC's national headquarters, the PVC distribution aligns with broader preparations, including a mock accreditation exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 25, in selected polling units across the state's three senatorial districts. The simulation will test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal, involving 12 polling units in areas such as Awka South, Idemili North, Oyi, Anambra East, Aguata, and Orumba North. Voters in these units are encouraged to participate to help refine the process.

The commission has issued strict guidelines to maintain integrity: collections must be done in person at the ward of registration, with no proxy pickups allowed under any circumstances. Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, reiterated this in an official statement from Abuja: "All registered voters are urged to ensure they collect their PVCs within the specified period to be eligible to vote. Proxy collection will not be permitted, and failure to collect could disenfranchise you."

This initiative comes amid heightened anticipation for the gubernatorial race, where incumbent Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) seeks re-election under the slogan "Anambra Is Rising." His administration has championed infrastructure, education, and economic reforms, with campaign themes like "#SolutionIsHere" and "#LetSolutionContinue" resonating strongly among supporters. Political analysts predict a competitive field, with candidates from the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others vying for the state's leadership.

Residents have responded positively to the announcement, with long queues already forming at INEC offices in major towns like Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka. Youth groups and civil society organizations, including the Anambra Civil Society Network, have launched awareness drives via social media and community outreaches to boost turnout, particularly among first-time voters.

INEC has assured stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and efficiency. "Our readiness is not just theoretical but measurable," Dr. Agbu added. "We call on all Anambra indigenes to exercise their civic duty responsibly."

As the collection window narrows, eligible voters are advised to bring identification documents and visit their local INEC registration centers promptly. For more details, residents can access the INEC online portal or call the toll-free helpline at 0800-CALL-INEC.

The 2025 Anambra Governorship Election is poised to shape the trajectory of this industrial powerhouse in Nigeria's Southeast, with over 2.5 million registered voters expected to cast ballots across 4,000 polling units. Stay tuned for updates as the state gears up for what could be a defining moment in its political history.