Election Day Security Measures in Anambra State
The Anambra State Police Command has implemented a strict restriction on vehicular movement within and across the state on Saturday, which is the day of the governorship election. This measure is intended to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
In a press statement released on Friday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, outlined the details of the restriction. According to him, the ban will be in effect from 12 am to 6 pm on the election day, covering all roads within the state, including interstate highways.
Scope of the Restriction
The restriction applies to all forms of motorised transportation, including:
- Private vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Trucks
- Tricycles
- Motorcycles
- Shuttle buses
The police command emphasized that this measure was taken following a unanimous decision made at a meeting of security services commanders held at the Police State Headquarters in Awka on November 5, 2025. The primary goal of the restriction is to prevent the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who might attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
Exemptions and Essential Services
While the restriction is comprehensive, certain individuals are exempted from the rule. These include:
- Designated INEC officials
- Accredited journalists and election observers
- Medical personnel
- Emergency responders
- Essential services providers
These individuals must carry valid identification and clearance tags at all times. The police command has urged residents to comply with this security arrangement, as it is designed to safeguard lives and property, ensure a peaceful election atmosphere, and guarantee that voters can freely exercise their right to vote for their preferred candidate.
Call for Cooperation
The command has also called on the electorate to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel who have been deployed across the state to enforce this directive and maintain order.
Electoral Integrity and Prohibited Actions
In addition to the vehicular restrictions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political parties, candidates, and voters against any form of electoral malpractice or conduct that could breach the peace.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, INEC outlined a list of prohibited actions at polling units. Violators of these rules will face legal consequences. The commission emphasized the following prohibitions:
- No candidate shall canvass for votes, solicit for the vote of any voter, persuade any voter not to vote for any particular candidate, or shout slogans concerning the election.
- Contestants and their supporters must not be in possession of any offensive weapon or wear any dress or facial decoration calculated to intimidate voters.
- No one is allowed to exhibit, wear or tender any notice, symbol, photograph, or party card referring to the election, or use vehicles bearing the colour or symbol of a political party by any means whatsoever.
Guidelines for Voters
INEC also urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully and leave the polling area immediately after casting their ballots. The commission warned that:
- No contestant, supporter, or voter should loiter without excuse after voting or after being refused to vote.
- No one should snatch or destroy any election materials or blare a siren.
These measures are aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process while maintaining public order.