Acting INEC Chair May Agbamuche-Mbu Engages Political Parties Ahead of 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

The Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, on Tuesday, held her first official consultative meeting with chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The interactive session, which comes barely weeks after she assumed office in an acting capacity, was focused on preparations for the forthcoming November 2025 Anambra governorship election.

The meeting marks a significant milestone in Agbamuche-Mbu’s early days as acting chair, signaling her commitment to inclusivity and dialogue as key strategies for ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process. According to the commission, the engagement was designed to foster constructive discussions between INEC and political parties on critical issues surrounding the upcoming poll.

In a statement issued after the meeting, INEC explained that the consultative session aimed to “create space for robust discussions on issues related to the conduct of the poll” and to promote early planning and consensus among stakeholders. “The engagement will enable both the Commission and party leaders to brainstorm over grey areas and ensure seamless preparations for the Anambra governorship poll,” the statement read.

President Tinubu Nominates Prof. Joash Amupitan As New INEC Chairman, Seeks Senate’s Swift Confirmation

Agbamuche-Mbu’s First Engagement as Acting INEC Chair

This meeting was Agbamuche-Mbu’s first official outing since she took over the leadership of the electoral body in an acting capacity following the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who recently stepped down after years of steering the commission through multiple election cycles.

Her emergence as acting chairman was part of the transitional arrangements pending the Senate’s confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), who was recently approved by the National Council of State as the substantive INEC Chairman.

Addressing the political party leaders, Agbamuche-Mbu emphasized the importance of collaboration, transparency, and early engagement in ensuring that the Anambra election meets international best practices. She assured the parties that under her watch, INEC would maintain neutrality and uphold the principles of fairness and credibility in all its operations.

“Our duty as an electoral body is to provide a level playing field for all contestants,” she said. “The success of the Anambra governorship election will depend on the cooperation of every stakeholder — political parties, security agencies, the media, and civil society.”

Focus on the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

The 2025 Anambra governorship election is already attracting attention across the country, given the state’s political vibrancy and history of competitive contests. INEC noted that the meeting was a proactive measure to address potential challenges early, particularly regarding logistics, voter education, and the deployment of technology.

Officials familiar with the meeting said that several issues were raised by party representatives, including the need for improved voter registration processes, early release of election guidelines, and timely distribution of election materials. INEC reportedly assured participants that lessons learned from previous elections, particularly the 2023 general polls, would guide the planning for the Anambra exercise.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to the continued use and enhancement of electronic transmission of results, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and other digital tools that have helped strengthen transparency in recent elections.

INEC’s Broader Consultations with Stakeholders

INEC further revealed that the consultative meeting with political parties would serve as a precursor to similar engagements with other critical stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media. These sessions, the commission explained, are designed to build synergy, prevent misinformation, and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

According to the commission’s spokesperson, the broader consultations are part of INEC’s comprehensive plan to deliver “a credible, transparent, and hitch-free governorship election” in Anambra. “We are committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along in every phase of the electoral process,” the statement added.

Political Parties Commend Early Engagement

Representatives of various political parties reportedly commended INEC for the early initiation of stakeholder dialogues. Many described the consultative approach as a positive departure from the past, stressing that such meetings will help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen the credibility of the election.

The Chairman of one of the major political parties, speaking after the session, noted that the dialogue provided an opportunity for parties to express concerns and offer recommendations on how to make the electoral process more efficient. “We are pleased that the acting chairman is open to dialogue,” he said. “This kind of engagement builds trust and ensures that no one feels sidelined.”

Civil society groups have also lauded Agbamuche-Mbu for her inclusive approach, describing it as an encouraging sign of continuity and commitment within the commission. They urged her to sustain regular communication with political stakeholders and to ensure that INEC maintains neutrality throughout the electoral cycle.

Continuity in Leadership and Electoral Reforms

While Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu continues to lead INEC in an acting capacity, the nation awaits the Senate’s confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the substantive chairman. Amupitan’s nomination by President Bola Tinubu was recently approved by the National Council of State, and his screening is expected to take place soon.

Analysts believe that the current leadership transition at INEC provides an opportunity to reinforce institutional stability and ensure that ongoing electoral reforms are not disrupted. Agbamuche-Mbu, known for her administrative experience and long service within the commission, is seen as well-equipped to manage this period of transition effectively.

In her closing remarks during the meeting, Agbamuche-Mbu reiterated her call for mutual respect, cooperation, and adherence to democratic norms. “We must all work together to protect the sanctity of the electoral process,” she said. “INEC is committed to fairness, transparency, and the will of the people.”

As preparations intensify for the 2025 Anambra governorship election, the tone set by this initial consultation suggests a collaborative and forward-looking approach under Agbamuche-Mbu’s interim leadership. Stakeholders and citizens alike will be watching closely to see how the commission’s early engagements translate into a free, fair, and credible election that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.