Anambra Governorship Election: INEC, Police Assures Readiness for Hitchfree Polls

By Julian Osamoto

As the November 9 Anambra State governorship election approaches, security agencies and electoral stakeholders have assured Nigerians of their full preparedness to deliver a peaceful, transparent, and credible poll.

Speaking at a Situation Room engagement in Abuja, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and several sister security agencies outlined comprehensive strategies to secure all parts of the state before, during, and after the election.

 

The Situation Room, comprising over eighty civil society groups, INEC, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and civil society groups such as Yiaga Africa, CLEEN Foundation, and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has conducted multiple simulations to test security readiness ahead of the polls.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, represented by ACP Ekuri Remigius, said all entry routes into the state will be cordoned off from midnight on election day.

He explained that movement will be restricted to accredited officials and essential personnel carrying proper identification tags.

He further revealed that security formations, including tactical units, will conduct a “show of force” across major towns and flashpoints such as Ihiala, Okija, Orlu, Amichi, Aguata, and Umunze, to deter potential disruptors.

“By the time you see the retinue of arms and personnel that will be deployed, those planning to disrupt the process will have to make a choice to stay or to leave,” he said.

According to the police, massive officers stationed at polling units will not be armed, while mobile units will provide backup security within designated perimeters.

Correctional centers, border communities, and other critical infrastructure will also be under heightened surveillance to prevent jailbreaks or infiltration by armed groups.

Earlier the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth-Agwu, confirmed that all sensitive election materials will be securely escorted from the state headquarters to the Registration Area Centers (RACs).

She assured that all trained officials will be deployed under the supervision of armed escorts to guarantee the integrity of the process.

Convener of the Civil Society Situation Room Yinusa Zakari explained that the event was organised to determine the level of INEC, Police and other security agencies preparedness ahead of the state election.

Representatives from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) commended the high level of inter-agency collaboration, describing it as a model for collective action in delivering transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections.

The FCDO official emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue among INEC, security agencies, and civil society to strengthen electoral integrity across Nigeria.

With over 5,000 polling units and a full complement of security personnel drawn from across the country, stakeholders expressed confidence that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election will be conducted smoothly and without threats.