Ninety-seven days before the 2027 general elections, a wave of transfers and staff reshuffling has affected the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State.
The changes have prompted concerns in some quarters that they could compromise the electoral process, which INEC rejected, describing the transfers as routine.
The reshuffle has affected electoral officers and other local government staff. The Commission said the changes are intended to bring fresh energy into the system.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by political parties and candidates, Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Elizabeth Agwu said the transfers were normal and aimed at rejuvenating the system.
She said the changes had no political motive and were not intended to favour any candidate, but to support the successful conduct of the election.
“This is a civil service system, and transfers are normal. Some staff may have stayed in one place for too long, increasing the possibility of taking certain things for granted,” Agwu said.
She added that retirements and promotions had also created vacancies. In Anambra State, she said, many staff members retired in August, while those promoted had moved to new positions, leaving their former posts vacant.
Agwu also said the state had received 5,720 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for its 5,720 polling units, with additional units held in reserve in case of malfunction.
She said INEC had continued to train its staff and upgrade its equipment and information and communications technology materials ahead of the election. She expressed confidence that there would be no technical glitches on election day.
The Commission said the names of people who registered between January and July had been published and urged them to verify their details and report any errors.
INEC also expressed disappointment over the absence of Anambra State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman Eminence Ugochukwu, who had been invited to the meeting.
The Commission said IPAC’s position was important to its efforts to ensure a credible electoral process.
