LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A representative of a civil society organisation observing the Anambra Governorship Election, Jake Epelle, has assured that residents have little to worry about regarding security across the state.
Epelle, who is the Founder of TAF Africa, commended the people of Anambra for their peaceful disposition during elections, describing them as self-protective and conscious of avoiding violence.
“I think the security situation is not something to worry much about. The Anambra people are peace-loving. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” he said.
While noting that the heavy presence of security operatives could serve as reassurance, Epelle warned that it must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.
“The presence of security agents can be a plus, but they need to watch it so they don’t become the very breach they’re trying to prevent,” he cautioned.
Epelle revealed that he had earlier met with police officials at a town hall meeting, during which officers pledged neutrality and professionalism throughout the exercise.
“They assured us they will not be partisan because problems arise when the opposition perceives compromise, and that’s when skirmishes begin. They must conduct themselves honourably and adhere strictly to their brief,” he stated.
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He, however, expressed mild concern about possible interference from senior security officers at the headquarters level, warning that such actions could create avoidable distractions during the election.
The TAF Africa founder urged voters to defy apathy and come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility, stressing that active participation was essential to strengthening democracy in the state.
Meanwhile, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced early deployment of materials and personnel to polling stations in Awka South Local Government Area on Saturday morning.
At St. Matthew Catholic Church, INEC staff were seen moving out to various polling units, while ad hoc officials arrived at the Community Primary School, Amawbia—covering Wards 01 and 02—by 7:07 a.m. Buses conveying election materials were also sighted departing as deployment continued across the area.
According to INEC, a total of 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State. The governorship election features 16 candidates contesting across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Prominent contenders include the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Commissioner of Police deployed for the poll, Abayomi Shogunle, also assured residents of a peaceful election, stating that clearance operations had been conducted in identified flashpoints, including Ihiala, to neutralise major threats.
He added that Anambra’s complex geography and borders with five neighbouring states posed no significant challenge to the state’s comprehensive security plan.