Commission pushes issue-based campaigns, neutral collation centres and improved election technology
By Gloria Onyeanusi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates in Anambra State against using the 2027 general election campaigns to attack opponents’ personal lives, drag family members into political disputes or spread malicious allegations, warning that violations of electoral laws could attract prosecution.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, gave the warning on Oct. 9, at a stakeholders’ meeting at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, urging political actors to focus on policies, track records and manifestos rather than personal vendettas.
Agwu expressed concern over what she described as a departure from issue based campaigns during the 2025 Anambra governorship election, when some candidates allegedly resorted to personal attacks instead of presenting clear policy proposals to voters.
She said the commission would monitor campaign activities, including statements made at political rallies and in the media, to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and other relevant regulations.
“We want you to tell them who you are, your antecedents and manifestos,” the REC said, warning candidates against using public campaigns to air private disputes and family grievances.
According to her, election campaigns should give voters the opportunity to assess candidates’ competence, experience and proposed policies, enabling them to make informed choices at the polls.
She warned that INEC would not tolerate a repeat of the conduct it criticised during the last governorship election and that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws.
Beyond campaign conduct, 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.
She also disclosed that the voters’ register for people who registered between January and July 2026 was being displayed for public scrutiny.
The REC urged local government chairmen, political party leaders and other stakeholders to mobilise eligible voters to verify their registration details and report errors before PVC production, where applicable.
She explained that the exercise would help INEC correct discrepancies in voters’ records and improve the accuracy of the register ahead of the elections.
On electoral transparency, Agwu said the commission was working towards relocating collation centres from local government headquarters and other government facilities to neutral locations.
The proposed relocation, she indicated, was intended to strengthen confidence in the collation process and promote the perception of impartiality in election administration.
She added that INEC was also working to improve the technology expected to be deployed for the 2027 elections.
The measures outlined at the meeting reflect the commission’s stated priorities ahead of the polls: responsible political communication, accurate voter records, transparent result collation and improved electoral technology.
As preparations continue, INEC is urging political parties and candidates to engage voters through constructive debate and clear policy proposals, warning that campaigns built around personal attacks could have legal consequences.
Gloria Onyeanusi is of the Ministry Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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