The Independent National Electoral Commission,  INEC,  has appealed to all stakeholders to continue to cooperate with it for a transparent and credible election in Anambra State.

A statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee,  Barrister Festus Okoye, recalled that damage to INEC ‘s physical facilities in Awka was extensive following attack by unknown gunmen especially as it relates to movable materials and fifty percent of the non-sensitive materials already delivered for the election hence it took a pragmatic decision to distribute the replacement non-sensitive materials from the South East Zonal Stores in Owerri in order to meet deadlines. 

The statement further clarified, that the non-sensitive materials are the non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 items such as hand sanitizers and face masks, envelopes, posters, stickers, sellotapes, scissors, liquid gum and other stationery items required mainly at the polling unit level.

It however, said following a review of the deadlines for the completion of work on the destroyed physical facilities, the Commission is satisfied that the ongoing work will be completed by the end of this month and consequently, the Commission is now in a position to operate from their office in Awka where the batching and distribution of all non-sensitive materials will take place.

The statement also disclosed that following Court Order on PDP Candidature, the Court of Appeal, Awka Judicial Division, has ordered the Commission to recognize and publish the name of Mr. Valentine Ozigbo as the Governorship candidate. 

It said earlier, the party had substituted its Deputy Governorship candidate within the deadline provided by law and as such, the Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates of the PDP are Valentine Chineto Ozigbo  and Lilian Azuka Enemo respectively.

The final list of candidates will be published on 7th October 2021 as provided for in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.