As Anambra State heads to the polls tomorrow, the Nigeria Police Force has assured residents of watertight security before, during, and after the governorship election.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence, DIG Benjamin Okolo—who also oversees election operations—said all logistics, personnel, and intelligence assets had been deployed as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“Adequate security arrangement has been made in accordance with the IGP’s directive,” he said during a media briefing at the Command Headquarters in Awka on Friday.
Okolo added that security operatives had been strategically positioned across all 21 local government areas, polling units, and collation centres to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
He warned political actors to abide by the law, stressing that security agencies would act swiftly against any disruption.
‘All Hands on Deck for Peace’
The DIG noted that the Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, had held several stakeholder meetings and peace accord sessions with candidates.
“Through our interactions with stakeholders, the peace accord, and the readiness of our men on ground, every intention has been made to ensure the election is peaceful, fair, and credible,” he said.
In a related briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Air Wing, Martins Nwogo, revealed that the state’s airspace had been fully secured.
“We are combing every part of Anambra with a fine tooth comb. Any troublemaker will be dealt with decisively,” he warned, while commending the IGP for the extensive preparations.
Observers commend INEC and EFCC readiness
Meanwhile, a coalition of accredited election observers has expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparedness.
The coalition, led by Mr Augustine Okafor of the Grassroots Development Centre for Peace and Social Justice, said over 350 observers had been deployed across the state.
Okafor commended INEC’s transparent distribution of non-sensitive materials and lauded the deployment of more than 60,000 security personnel across Anambra.
“Political actors should respect the peace accord and maintain issue-based engagement. They must demonstrate maturity, tolerance, and discipline throughout the process,” he urged.
Mr Sarki Danjuma, Chairman of the Initiative for Promotion and Civic Obligation for Sustainable Peace, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clamp down on vote-buying, saying such acts “undermine democracy and erode public confidence in the process.”
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to credible polls under the principle of “one man, one vote” as enshrined in the Electoral Act, 2022.
Would Anambra’s calm pre-election mood hold through the night—or will tomorrow test the fragile balance of peace in the state?
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