Atiku Urges INEC to Prove Transparency Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to use the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election as an opportunity to demonstrate the Commission’s renewed commitment to transparency, fairness, and credibility.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Atiku said the November 8 poll would serve as a major test of INEC’s integrity and its readiness to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that Nigerians and the international community would be closely monitoring how the electoral body handles the Anambra election, stressing that INEC must show it has “turned a new page” after the controversies that trailed previous elections.

“The Anambra governorship election presents INEC with a fresh chance to prove that it can conduct elections that are truly free, fair, and credible. Prof. Amupitan must lead by example and ensure that every vote counts and that the process reflects the will of the people,” Atiku said.

He further urged security agencies to remain neutral and protect voters, election officials, and materials, while cautioning political actors against actions capable of undermining the peace and credibility of the election.

Atiku reiterated that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive if the electoral process commands public trust, adding that “INEC must rise above political interference and logistical excuses to deliver an election that sets a new standard for the country.”

The Anambra governorship election, slated for Saturday, November 8, is one of the off-cycle polls scheduled by INEC following the expiration of the current administration’s tenure in the state.