Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has assured Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election.
Speaking at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at INEC Headquarters, Abuja, Prof. Amupitan said the Commission had completed a comprehensive readiness assessment across the state and was confident of a smooth and credible exercise.
According to him, about 24,000 personnel would be deployed across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 wards, 21 local government areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka. He noted, however, that voting would not take place in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.
The INEC Chairman also announced the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise in Anambra from Wednesday, October 29, to Sunday, November 2, 2025, following reports that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their cards.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to free, fair, and credible polls, Amupitan said all logistics and security arrangements had been finalized.
“We have hired 200 buses and 83 boats to ensure seamless transportation of election officials and materials,” he disclosed.
He warned against vote-buying, describing it as a threat to the integrity of elections.
“Security agents must not allow vote buyers to contaminate our electoral process,” he cautioned.
FG, Security Agencies Pledge Peaceful Poll
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of Internal Security, Mr. Hassan Y. Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the election.
Abdullahi said the Office of the NSA remains fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period.
He disclosed that enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the deployment of adequate security personnel had been put in place to prevent disruptions by “destructive elements or desperate politicians.”
“We are engaging with political leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated,” he said.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, alongside other security services, was prepared to maintain law and order before, during, and after the polls.
NYSC Assures Safety of Corps Members
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, assured that corps members participating in the election would be adequately protected.
Speaking at the ICCES meeting, Brig. Gen. Nafiu said the NYSC was working closely with INEC and security agencies to guarantee the safety and welfare of corps members, describing them as “vibrant, patriotic, and non-partisan Nigerians” whose participation strengthens electoral credibility.
“I will personally be on the ground in Anambra before, during, and after the election to support our corps members,” he said, urging residents to treat corps members as their children and offer them full support.
45,000 Police Personnel for Election Duty
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 45,000 police personnel across Anambra State for the governorship election.
Represented by Commissioner of Police Abayomi Sogunle, the IGP said the deployment would ensure adequate security before, during, and after the polls.
He revealed that pre-election deployments would begin on November 1, with tactical units conducting clearance operations to neutralize threats and apprehend potential troublemakers.
Egbetokun emphasized that only security agencies officially represented in ICCES—such as the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military—would participate in election duties.
“No vigilante group will be allowed to play any role in the electoral process,” he stressed.
He added that the police would impose movement restrictions on Election Day and man all entry and exit points in the state to ensure peace.
“We are determined to deliver a peaceful and credible election,” he declared.
