Anxiety, Tight Security as Anambra Elects New Governor Tomorrow

As Anambra State heads to the polls tomorrow to elect a new governor, tension and uncertainty grip the atmosphere amid concerns over heavy security deployment, potential vote buying, and fears of violence that could mar the exercise.

The election, which will be the first major national test for the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), is seen as a crucial moment for Nigeria’s electoral credibility.

Amupitan, who succeeded Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, faces mounting pressure to prove that INEC has learned from past shortcomings, particularly issues around late logistics, malfunctioning BVAS devices, and delayed result transmission that plagued the 2023 general elections.

INEC Assures Readiness, Records 98.8% PVC Collection

Speaking in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a transparent, credible, and peaceful poll. He disclosed that Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection in the state has reached 98.8%, one of the highest rates recorded for any election in recent years.

He explained that the extension of the PVC collection window, from October 29 to November 2, helped achieve the milestone, adding that all uncollected cards have been secured at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

INEC has deployed 6,879 BVAS machines, 24,000 ad hoc staff, 3,000 vehicles, and 83 boats to facilitate smooth conduct of the election across 5,718 polling units.

In Ihiala Local Council, where security concerns persist, voting will take place under a special arrangement at the council secretariat.

> “To the voters: you have collected your PVCs, security will protect you, and INEC is ready for you. Come out on Saturday, November 8, to vote freely and peacefully,” Amupitan urged.


Massive Security Deployment Across Anambra

To guarantee order and voter safety, no fewer than 60,000 security personnel drawn from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Defence have been deployed across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, confirmed that the police alone will deploy 45,000 officers, alongside tactical teams, helicopters, and drones for aerial surveillance.

He emphasised that the deployment was aimed at protecting voters and not to intimidate them.

> “We want to guarantee voters’ confidence and ensure that everyone can cast their ballots without fear,” Shogunle stated.


However, the exclusion of the state-backed security outfit, Agunechemba, has sparked mixed reactions. Opposition parties accuse the outfit of voter intimidation in past elections, while others argue that its exclusion could leave security gaps.

Civil Groups Raise Alarm Over Militarisation and Voter Apathy

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) expressed concern over what it called “excessive militarisation” of the electoral process, warning that the sight of armed forces could discourage voter turnout.

In a joint statement by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Joy Igboeli, and Chidimma Udegbunam, the group cautioned that “war-like shows of force” often create fear rather than confidence among the electorate.

Similarly, the CLEEN Foundation identified five high-risk local councils—Ayamelum, Awka South, Onitsha North, Orumba South, and Ekwusigo—as potential flashpoints for violence, while the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) lamented poor voter education and growing public apathy.

CLO State Chairman, Vincent Ezekwueme, urged voters to overcome doubts about the credibility of the process and exercise their civic rights.

> “Do not assume your vote won’t count. INEC has promised a credible poll,” he said, calling on security agencies to clamp down on vote buying.


Doubts Persist Over Credibility and Reforms

Despite assurances, scepticism lingers among political actors and civil society groups over INEC’s ability to deliver a truly credible election under existing electoral laws.

Wale Okunniyi, a stalwart of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), argued that without reforms to the Electoral Act, the new INEC leadership could face the same systemic challenges as its predecessor.

> “Amupitan may be new, but he’s working within an old framework. Until the law changes, little will change,” he said.


Former governorship aspirant Captain Mbamara (rtd) echoed similar concerns, questioning the effectiveness of electronic voting tools that courts have often disregarded in post-election litigations.

On his part, Ralph Nwosu, former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged security agencies to remember that the world is watching.

> “Whatever happens in Anambra will shape global perception of Nigeria’s democracy,” he warned.



Final Preparations Underway

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed the distribution of sensitive materials, including BVAS devices and result forms (EC8A and EC8B), to all local councils under tight security and in the presence of party agents.

She encouraged voters to participate actively, assuring them that their votes would count.

> “Do not stay at home. Come out and choose your leaders. INEC is fully ready,” she said.


What’s at Stake

Tomorrow’s election will feature 16 candidates contesting across 2.8 million registered voters. The result is expected to have far-reaching implications for the 2027 general elections, serving as a major test for both INEC’s credibility and the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which faces stiff competition from the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Analysts agree that a smooth, transparent election could restore public confidence in the electoral process, while any setback may deepen distrust and dampen hopes for reform ahead of 2027.

As Anambra stands on the threshold of another critical democratic moment, all eyes are on Prof. Joash Amupitan and the ability of his INEC leadership to deliver an election that is not just peaceful, but truly credible.