INEC Deploys 24,000 Staff, Police Mobilize 45,000 Officers For Anambra Governorship Election
BY GLORY UGOBA
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deployed 24,000 staff members and distributed election materials across Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), announced this on Monday during the Anambra Peace Accord Signing Ceremony held 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.
INEC Promises Credible and Peaceful Election
Professor Amupitan commended the Peace Committee for its consistent efforts in promoting harmony during elections. He noted that extending peace accords to off-cycle polls has significantly reduced election-related violence in Nigeria.
“The signatures on this document are symbolic. What truly ensures peace is our collective commitment to uphold its provisions,” he cautioned.
He urged all 16 political parties and their candidates to communicate the message of peace to their supporters, emphasizing that INEC is fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, and transparent election.
According to the INEC Chairman, a final voter register of 2,802,790 eligible voters has been approved, while the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was extended to Sunday, November 2, to maximize voter participation.
He also reaffirmed INEC’s determination to combat vote-buying and warned that anyone caught attempting to compromise the electoral process would face strict legal consequences.
Security Agencies Mobilize Massive Deployment
On security arrangements, Professor Amupitan disclosed that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has finalized comprehensive plans to secure polling units, collation centers, and sensitive materials across the State.
He revealed that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 officers, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will contribute an additional 10,250 personnel to maintain order before, during, and after the polls.
“With the Peace Accord in place, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, we are confident that this election will be peaceful and successful,” Amupitan assured.
He appealed to Ndi Anambra to demonstrate unity, civic responsibility, and democratic maturity during the election.
Police, Clergy, and Candidates Commit to Peace
Representing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Deputy Inspector-General Benjamin Okoloreaffirmed the police’s neutrality and professionalism. He appealed to political actors and their supporters to uphold peace throughout the electoral process.
In his remarks, Bishop Matthew Kukah described the Peace Accord as a “hand-holding exercise” designed to strengthen democracy and build citizens’ trust in government institutions.
“Citizens’ confidence is strengthened when public institutions perform their duties with fairness and honour,” Bishop Kukah said, urging voters to “be the light of the nation.”
Candidates Sign Peace Accord
The event concluded with the formal signing of the Peace Accord by all 16 governorship candidates and their party chairmen. The ceremony ended on a cordial note, with candidates exchanging warm handshakes — symbolizing a shared commitment to a peaceful and credible election in Anambra State.
