A civil society observer, Jake Epelle, has assured that residents of Anambra State have little to worry about regarding security as voting begins across the state.
Epelle, who is the Founder of TAF Africa, noted that the people of Anambra are typically peaceful during elections and often take personal responsibility for ensuring calm within their communities.
“The security situation is not something to worry about. Anambra people are peace-loving. Everyone wants to stay safe, so they find ways to protect themselves,” he said.
While acknowledging the heavy deployment of security personnel as a positive step, Epelle cautioned that such presence must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.
“The presence of security agents can be a plus, but they must be careful not to become the very breach they’re meant to prevent,” he added.
Epelle disclosed that he had met with the police during a town hall engagement, where officers assured that they would remain neutral and professional throughout the election.
“They promised not to be partisan. Problems arise when the opposition perceives compromise, that’s when tension starts. Security personnel must stick strictly to their duties,” he emphasized.
He, however, expressed mild concern about potential interference from senior security officials at the national level, warning that such actions could distract field officers and affect smooth coordination.
Epelle also urged voters to turn out in large numbers, appealing to residents to overcome apathy and actively participate in choosing their next governor.
Meanwhile, INEC officials commenced early deployment of materials to polling units in Awka South Local Government Area on Saturday morning.
At St. Matthew Catholic Church, officials were seen boarding buses to various polling stations, while ad hoc staff gathered at Community Primary School, Amawbia for final briefings before departure around 7:07 a.m.
Buses loaded with voting materials were observed leaving the venue as deployment continued across multiple wards in 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 21 local government areas of the state.
The election features 16 candidates contesting for the governorship across three senatorial districts. Among the leading contenders are Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), George Moghalu (Labour Party), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
The Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, also assured residents of a peaceful and secure exercise, noting that clearance operations had been conducted in known flashpoints such as Ihiala.
He said security agencies had neutralised major threats and were fully prepared to maintain peace throughout the election, despite Anambra’s complex terrain and shared borders with five states.
