Preparations for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election have intensified as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced a re-training exercise for key staff in the state.

The exercise, which began today, comes barely 11 days after the successful conduct of bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states. It is targeted at Electoral Officers, Heads of Department, and Assistant Electoral Officers in Anambra.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, explained that the training is anchored on the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC). He described the EMSC as a planning, monitoring, implementation, and electoral early warning system, designed to track election activities in real time through a proactive approach.

Prof. Eyinla noted that since its introduction during the Ekiti State off-cycle governorship election in 2018, the EMSC has proven to be a critical tool in managing elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general polls as well as several off-cycle governorship and bye-elections.

INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, urged the participants to take the training seriously and ensure they internalize key lessons that will help guarantee a free, fair, credible, and inclusive governorship election in Anambra this November.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra, Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agu, commended the officials for their dedication during the bye-elections held in the state less than two weeks ago. She encouraged them to re-double their commitment as the governorship contest draws nearer.

With less than three months to the polls, the retraining underscores INEC’s determination to strengthen its operational readiness and bolster confidence in the electoral process.