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The Nigeria Police Force on Monday warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN) or any other non state actor against any attempt to disrupt Saturday’s Anambra governorship election.
The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun (IGP) who gave the warning during the signing of peace accord by16 the political parties participating in the polls in Awka, said the Nigeria 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.
Represented by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ben Okoro, the police boss declared any to disrupt the exercise “shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
According to him, “Any person of group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognised federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non state actor.
“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.
Continuing, “Possession of any weapon or instrument of intimidation will attract immediate arrest to all political parties, candidates and campaign managers; the responsibility for peace rests heavily upon you.
Earlier, former Head of state and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar(rtd), reminded the candidates and their parties that the commitment to the peace accord “is not in words only but it is a duty that calls for discipline, honor and responsibility.”
Represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), he called on INEC to ensure that the election was credible, urging the security agencies to protect and not intimidate while urging the traditional institutions to ensure proper guidance.
“Leadership is not only in seeking of it, but in safeguarding peace and ensuring that there is no life is put at risk, To INEC, we urge continued transparency and readiness for the trust of the people rests greatly on your conduct.
On his part, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Joash Amupitan also asked all political parties, candidates and their supporters to adhere strictly to the principles of the peace accord.
According to him, the commission is the commission was committed to conducting free fair and peaceful election.
“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.
He disclosed that INEC has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the Anambra governorship election, adding that to facilitate maximum participation; the commission extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, November 2, 2025.
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