The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has assured that any form of Violence in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra state will be met with “strong, uncompromising response” by security forces

Speaking at a meeting of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja, Ribadu said “he Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) remains fully committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period”

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu who was represented by Hassan Abdullahi, fsi, Director of Internal Security in the office of the NSA said robust security measures have been put in place to ensure that the Anambra election was violence free.

“Mr. Chairman, as you are aware, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) was formed to ensure that our elections are held in a secure and peaceful environment. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) remains fully committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period. This commitment is essential to ensuring the highest level of safety and security.

“As we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election on 8^th November 2025, we have put in place robust security measures. These include enhanced surveillance, the deployment of sufficient security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.

“Moreover, we are proactively engaging with political party leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in our elections. All participating political parties and their candidates must advocate for peace and encourage their supporters to conduct themselves in a manner that honours the integrity of our electoral system. Any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response.

“In conclusion, the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, along with other security agencies, stands prepared and resolute to maintain a secure environment during the Anambra State governorship elections. We call upon all citizens to collaborate and commit to a peaceful electoral process that reflects our shared values and aspirations” he said.

Earlier in his speech, the chairman of INEC Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, assured Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election.

According to him, the Commission had concluded a comprehensive readiness assessment across the state and was confident of a smooth conduct of the election.

The INEC boss said 24,000 personnel would be deployed across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 wards, 21 local government areas, and the State Collation Centre in Awka. He also noted that voting would not take place in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.

He announced the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise in Anambra State from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, following reports that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their PVCs.

Prof. Amupitan reiterated INEC’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, stressing that logistics and security arrangements were already in place. “We have hired 200 buses and 83 boats to ensure seamless transportation of election officials and materials,” he said.

He also warned against vote buying, describing it as a menace that threatens the integrity of elections. “Security agents must not allow vote buyers to contaminate our electoral process,” he cautioned.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in his remark assured that corps members participating in the Anambra State Governorship Election will be fully protected.

Speaking at the ICCES meeting, Brig. Gen. Nafiu said the NYSC was working closely with INEC and security agencies to guarantee the safety and welfare of corps members, who play a vital role in election administration.

He described corps members as “vibrant, patriotic, and non-partisan Nigerians” whose participation enhances the credibility of the electoral process. He added that adequate arrangements had been made for their allowances, insurance, and security coverage.