Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ojo Amupitan, Monday, assured that the commission has put in place all necessary machinery to ensure a free and fair election.
Amupitan spoke at the signing of a peace accord by political parties in Awka, Anambra state.
He said: “Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra state is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.
“For our part, the commission has taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state.
“We have extensively engaged our officials, transport providers, and security agencies to fine-tune deployment arrangements for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka.
“Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics. Enhanced result management processes will also be evident.
“The Commission has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2025.
The Nigeria Police Force also warned against any attempt by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) or any other non state actor to interfere with the election.
According to NPF, any such attempt “shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun (IGP), represented by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ben Okoro, stated this at the signing of the peace accord in Awka.
The IGP declared that the Nigerian Police had with precision targeted intelligence operations to identify, isolate and dismantle any network or individual floating acts of intimidation or violence during or after the election.
While warning that the peace of Anambra state was not negotiable, the IGP further stated that “any person of group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performiunauthorised ed security duties outside recognised federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non state actor.”
The police further warned: “Such persons shall be swiftly neutralised, arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 this remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation.
“The Nigerian police force has activated the zero tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws. Our professionalism will be matched by decisiveness, our exchange by precision. Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct.
“Offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying voter intimidation, are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022 officers are under strict instruction to effect inmate arrest based on prima first year evidence And to ensure diligent prosecution through the electoral offenses desk already activated across the state, the objective is simple, to deter misconduct through swift and exemplary enforcement.”
