Leadership and Security Measures for Anambra State Governorship Election
The Nigeria Police Force has officially assigned Deputy Inspector General of Police, Benjamin Okolo, to oversee the security operations for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election. This move marks a significant step in ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral environment.
Okolo, alongside Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Yakubu Kwazhi, represented the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during key events such as the signing of the peace accord by political parties and stakeholder engagements. His role is critical in managing the operational framework and coordinating field deployments across the state.
According to a press statement released by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Okolo will ensure strict adherence to the force’s rules of engagement throughout the election security operations. The statement emphasized that this deployment is part of strategic security measures approved by the Inspector General of Police to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and professionally managed election environment.
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the electoral process, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring that all individuals and political actors conduct themselves in accordance with the law. The public is urged to remain law-abiding and cooperate fully with police officers and other security personnel detailed for election duties.
Key Personnel Involved
To assist Okolo in the coordination of election security operations, several senior officers have been deployed. These include AIG Akoh Gabriel, the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, other Commissioners of Police deployed to the 21 local government areas of the state, as well as other strategic senior officers.
PUNCH Online reported that Commissioner of Police in charge of the Anambra State election, Shogunle, revealed that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had increased from 45,000 to 55,000 officers. This increase aims to ensure adequate security across the state and protect both voters and electoral officials during the exercise.
Shogunle explained that the measure is not intended to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit. He stated:
- “The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit. We want to guarantee voters’ confidence in coming out to cast their ballots without fear.
- The increase is not to scare legitimate voters but to guarantee effective operations and protection of voters and electoral officials.
- The number would be increased to 55,000 as against the initial 45,000 personnel, and they would include immigration, NDLEA, DSS, among others, and we assure you all that it would be a free fair and transparent.
- The personnel include officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, and other sister agencies, with at least three security officers assigned to each polling unit across the state.”
Commitment to Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections
Shogunle further emphasized that the collective aim is to ensure the safety of voters, INEC officials, and all stakeholders involved. He added that the team is currently delivering sensitive materials, including BIVAS, forms EC8A and EC8B, for the Saturday election.
The Nigeria Police Force has made it clear that their focus is on creating an environment where voters can participate freely and confidently. The deployment of additional security personnel is a strategic decision aimed at maintaining order and preventing any disruptions during the election process.
This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of collaboration between various security agencies and the commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Anambra State.