Over 2.8 million registered voters will today decide who governs Anambra State for the next four years, in a governorship election widely viewed as the first major test for the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

Amupitan, who assumed office on October 23, faces a crucial credibility trial as Nigerians watch to see whether INEC can deliver a free, fair and credible poll under his leadership.

According to INEC, 2,802,790 voters, including 140,370 new registrants, are eligible to vote across 326 wards. With 98.8 per cent PVCs collected, the race is expected to be tight among leading contenders — Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Dr George Moghalu (LP), Jude Ezenwafor (PDP), John Nwosu (ADC), and Sir Paul Chukwuma (YPP).

INEC said all 5,718 polling units would open at 8:30 a.m., with 6,879 BVAS devices deployed and over 24,000 ad hoc staff mobilised. Sensitive and non-sensitive materials were distributed on Thursday under tight security at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Awka, supervised by the State REC, Dr Queen Awgu.

The Anambra Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m., while over 55,000 security personnel have been deployed statewide. DIG Benjamin Okolo will supervise the overall security operation.

INEC also dispatched four National Commissioners and 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners to oversee the election. Amupitan assured voters in flashpoint areas, especially Ihiala LGA, of safe voting under full security cover, warning that “anyone attempting violence or vote-buying will face swift consequences.”

Meanwhile, election observers from the Centre for Democracy and Development, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, and Yiaga Africa have set up situation rooms across the state. Yiaga identified Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba North/South, and Aguata as potential hotspots.

In Awka and major cities, residents thronged markets, motor parks and hotels on Friday for last-minute shopping and travel ahead of today’s movement restriction. Most hotels were fully booked by election observers, journalists and party agents.

Tension also rose on the political front as APC warned against the use of “non-state actors,” while APGA urged voters to resist intimidation and “protect their votes.”

Voting patterns are expected to split across the three senatorial zones. Anambra North may swing between APGA and APC; Anambra Central remains a battleground with APGA gaining ground; and Anambra South, home to four leading contenders, is likely to be the ultimate decider.

As polls open this morning, the nation’s attention is fixed on Anambra and on Prof. Amupitan, as INEC faces its first real test of electoral credibility under new leadership.