As Anambra State braces for its November 8 governorship election, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to deliver a peaceful, credible, and secure poll warning that any attempt to disrupt public order or intimidate voters will be met with “swift, lawful, and proportionate force.”
Speaking at the signing of the Peace Accord in Awka on Monday, November 3, 2025, the Police Chief emphasized that the Force would remain neutral yet assertive, ensuring that the constitutional will of the Nigerian electorate prevails without fear or compromise.
“Our allegiance is not to any political party, candidate, or ideology, but solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate,” Egbetokun declared. “Under no circumstance will criminality be permitted to masquerade as political expression. The peace of Anambra State is non-negotiable.”
Egbetokun revealed that the Force had developed an integrated, intelligence-driven operational plan to prevent electoral infractions and neutralize potential threats. Under the unified command of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), a multi-layered deployment will cover all 21 local government areas and 4,608 polling units across the state.
The IGP noted that while the Police will take the lead in election security, the Armed Forces will provide tactical reserves, and other agencies including the NSCDC, FRSC, NIS, and NDLEA — will secure infrastructure, electoral materials, and major access routes.
He described the structure as a “force multiplier” that ensures real-time communication, intelligence sharing, and immediate intervention to forestall breakdowns of law and order.
In a firm directive, the IGP announced an immediate and total proscription of any non-state or state-controlled quasi-security formations including vigilante groups like Ebube Agu during the election period.
He cited Sections 91(1) and 120(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which vest exclusive authority for election security in the Nigeria Police Force, warning that violations would attract “severe sanctions.”
Egbetokun also cautioned separatist elements, particularly the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), against any attempt to disrupt the polls through intimidation or unlawful sit-at-home orders.
“No group, armed or unarmed, overt or covert, has the authority to dictate movement or obstruct lawful voting. Any attempt to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated, and overwhelming law enforcement response,” he warned.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to professionalism, Egbetokun announced a Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Protocol aimed at tackling electoral offences such as vote-buying, ballot snatching, and thuggery. He said officers had been instructed to make immediate arrests upon credible evidence and ensure prompt prosecution through dedicated Electoral Offences Desks.
The IGP added that Cybercrime Units had been deployed to monitor and counter fake news, misinformation, and online propaganda that could incite violence or discredit the process.
He further outlined key Election Day restrictions, including:
A ban on movement of VIPs with armed escorts or aides to polling units, controlled access for accredited INEC officials, observers, and journalists and prohibition of campaigning or display of partisan symbols near polling areas.
Egbetokun called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to act responsibly, warning that leaders would be held accountable for the conduct of their followers.
“Campaign with honour; persuade rather than provoke; and remember that power attained through violence is illegitimate and unsustainable,” he admonished.
He urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in political violence, while reassuring the people of Anambra that their safety and votes are guaranteed.
“On November 8, go out and vote freely and fearlessly. We shall protect your lives, your votes, and your voices. Our mission is clear to defend the law, preserve peace, and uphold the sovereign will of the people,” he concluded.