Anambra Governorship Election: The Nigerian Police Force has announced the deployment of 45,000 personnel to ensure security during the November 8 Anambra State off-cycle governorship election. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made this known on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja, noting that the deployment aims to guarantee a peaceful, free, and credible election process.
Egbetokun said the measure followed a thorough security assessment of the state, given its history of electoral tension and politically motivated violence. According to him, the Police will work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to maintain law and order before, during, and after the polls.
He explained that special units such as the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, Counter-Terrorism Squad, and Intelligence Response Team have been mobilized to strategic points across the state. “Our mission is to protect lives, property, and the integrity of the electoral process. No group or individual will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the Anambra governorship election,” Egbetokun stated.
The Inspector-General also assured residents of Anambra of their safety, urging them to come out en masse and exercise their franchise without fear. He warned political thugs and mischief-makers to steer clear of polling units, stressing that anyone caught attempting to cause chaos will face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Anambra governorship election, 16 governorship candidates from various political parties on Monday signed a peace accord in Awka, the state capital. The peace pact, facilitated by the National Peace Committee, is aimed at promoting issue-based campaigns and discouraging violence during and after the election.
The Chairman of the Peace Committee and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), urged all candidates to honor their commitment to peaceful conduct. He reminded them that leadership is not about winning at all costs but about service to the people. “Anambra State needs stability, not conflict. By signing this accord, you are pledging to respect the rules of democracy and accept the outcome of a credible process,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented at the event, also reiterated the Commission’s readiness to deliver a transparent election. He said that sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been deployed to INEC offices across the 21 local government areas of the state. “Our technical teams are fully prepared. We have enhanced the BVAS devices and improved logistics to ensure timely delivery of materials to polling units,” Yakubu assured.
Reacting to the deployment, civil society groups and election observers commended the move but called on security operatives to remain neutral. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) emphasized that while security presence is essential, over-policing could intimidate voters if not properly managed. The group urged the Police to adopt a human-rights-based approach throughout the electoral period.
In a related development, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite strike despite the Federal Government’s recent release of ₦11.995 billion meant to offset outstanding allowances. The association said the strike would continue until the government fulfills its 19-point demand, which includes full payment of hazard allowances, implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustments, and improved working conditions in public hospitals.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, described the government’s actions as “half-hearted.” He noted that while the disbursed funds were acknowledged, several unresolved issues remain. “We are tired of promises. What we need are concrete actions that reflect the value of healthcare professionals in this country,” Abdullahi said.
The nationwide strike has led to disruptions in several public hospitals, with reports of patients being turned away or left unattended. The Federal Ministry of Health has appealed to the striking doctors to reconsider their position in the interest of the public, but the association maintains that the strike will continue until its demands are met.
As the Anambra Governorship Election draws closer, all eyes are on security agencies, INEC, and political actors to ensure that the process reflects the true will of the people — a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic strength amid growing public frustration and economic challenges.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
