Security Agencies Vow Firm Response Ahead Of Anambra Governorship Election

As preparations intensify for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has warned that any attempt to disrupt the process will be met with a strong and uncompromising response.

The warning came during a security meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, where National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, said the federal government will deploy all necessary logistics to ensure the poll is peaceful. He called on political parties, their candidates, and supporters to avoid violence and respect the democratic process.

Ribadu assured that the Nigeria Police Force, supported by other law enforcement agencies, is fully ready to maintain order before, during, and after the election. He urged residents of Anambra to cooperate with security personnel and participate peacefully in the exercise, noting that security agencies are determined to protect voters and election officials throughout the process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also declared its readiness for the poll. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, revealed that 24,000 personnel will be deployed across 5,718 polling units in the state. He explained that voting will not take place in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters. Results, he said, will be collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government headquarters, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.

Amupitan announced an extension of the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, November 2, to allow more eligible voters to collect their cards. He disclosed that only 63.9 percent of registered voters had picked up their PVCs as of Monday. The extension, he explained, is to ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the process. He reminded residents that PVCs must be collected in person, stressing that proxy collection would not be allowed.

The INEC chairman assured that the commission has made adequate logistical arrangements for the smooth conduct of the election. He said security agencies have identified potential flashpoints and are working to maintain coordination and safety across all polling areas.

He also cautioned against vote buying, describing it as a serious threat to free and fair elections. Amupitan said the commission is working closely with security and anti-graft agencies to prevent inducement of voters and ensure that the process remains credible.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 45,000 police officers for the election. The officers will be stationed across the 21 local government areas to prevent violence and respond quickly to any security breach.

The IGP, represented by Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle of the Special Intervention Squad, said pre-election deployments will begin on November 1. Tactical units, he noted, will carry out clearance operations to identify and neutralize potential threats before the election.

Security agencies have urged voters in Anambra to come out in large numbers and exercise their rights without fear, assuring that they will guarantee the safety of lives and property throughout the election period.