INEC deploys 24,000 staff, IGP mobilizes 45,000 police officers for Anambra governorship election

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the deployment of 24,000 officials and election materials across Anambra State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Monday during the signing of the Peace Accord in Awka. The event was organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), and convened by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

Professor Amupitan commended the Peace Committee for its continued dedication to promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria. He noted that extending the Peace Accord to off-cycle governorship elections had significantly reduced tensions and violence.

“The signatures on this document are symbolic. What truly ensures peace is the commitment to uphold its provisions,” he cautioned.

He urged all 16 political parties and their candidates to extend the message of peace to their supporters, emphasizing that INEC is fully prepared to deliver a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.

According to the INEC Chairman, a final voter register of 2,802,790 eligible voters has been approved, and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was extended to Sunday, November 2, to allow maximum participation.

Professor Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to combat vote-buying and warned that anyone attempting to subvert the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.

On security arrangements, he revealed that the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has implemented robust measures to safeguard the polls. The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will assign 10,250 officers to ensure safety across the State.

Expressing optimism, Professor Amupitan said: “With the Peace Accord in place, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, we are confident that this election will be peaceful and successful.”

He urged Ndi Anambra to make the election a model of unity and democratic maturity.

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Deputy Inspector-General Benjamin Okolo reiterated the police’s neutrality and professionalism. He appealed to political parties and their supporters to embrace peace before, during, and after the election.

In his remarks, Bishop Kukah described the Peace Accord as a “hand-holding exercise” designed to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and build trust among citizens. He commended INEC, political parties, security agencies, the media, and civil society for their contributions toward credible elections.

“Citizens’ confidence is strengthened when government institutions perform their duties with fairness and honour,” Bishop Kukah said, urging Anambra voters to “be the light of the nation.”

The ceremony concluded with candidates and chairmen of the 16 political parties signing the Peace Accord amid warm handshakes and camaraderie.