With the Anambra governorship election drawing near, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has sent a clear message — no room for thuggery or political violence. Speaking during the Cleen Foundation’s 2025 Anambra Governorship Election Security Threat Assessment in Abuja, the IGP, represented by Acting Commissioner Umar Hadejia, vowed that security agencies would ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible poll.
Egbetokun warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters to respect electoral laws and the peace accord already signed. According to him, any individual or group that attempts to undermine the electoral process will face the full weight of the law. “Anybody who tries to cause any problem will be dealt with. We have made adequate arrangements to secure INEC offices, election officials, and all law-abiding voters,” he said firmly.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) echoed the same warning through its Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, who urged voters to avoid disorderly conduct during the election. The Cleen Foundation’s updated threat assessment report also revealed a rise in potential pre-election tension, mainly driven by distrust in the neutrality of security personnel.
Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has deployed monitors across Anambra’s three senatorial zones to ensure police officers on election duty remain impartial and disciplined. PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), emphasized that officers must create a safe environment for voters and protect electoral materials without compromise.
He described the Anambra election as a test of the police’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. Argungu commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, for his proactive engagement with flashpoint areas, stressing that officers who perform well will be rewarded, while those who breach conduct will face sanctions.
As Nigeria edges closer to another critical democratic exercise, the spotlight remains on Anambra — and on whether the nation’s security forces can deliver the peaceful, credible election the people deserve.
