Ribadu Warns: No Room for Violence in Upcoming Anambra Governorship Election

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a firm warning to political actors and troublemakers ahead of the Anambra State governorship election, cautioning that any attempt to disrupt the process will be met with a decisive security response. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, October 28, during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Ribadu — represented by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security — emphasized that the Federal Government has activated a comprehensive security plan to safeguard lives and ensure a credible election on November 8.

He said the measures include enhanced surveillance, mass deployment of security personnel, and intelligence operations aimed at neutralizing threats from violent groups or desperate politicians. Ribadu stressed that political leaders must act responsibly, warning that “any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response.”

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, also reaffirmed the commission’s readiness for the poll, disclosing that 24,000 personnel will be deployed across 5,718 polling units in the state. He urged security operatives to maintain neutrality and prevent vote-buying or voter intimidation.

The meeting, which included representatives of the military, police, and paramilitary agencies, underscored a unified commitment to ensuring that the Anambra election remains peaceful, transparent, and credible.