The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any kind of violence during the Anambra State governorship election will be met with a harsh and determined response from security forces.
Ribadu delivered the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, or ICCES, with officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He was represented at the conference by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the NSA’s Director of Internal Security.
The NSA stated that the federal government had implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, free, and credible election on November 8.
“As we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025, we have put in place robust security arrangements,” Ribadu said.
“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.”
He emphasized that political leaders and candidates must accept full responsibility for keeping peace and that security agencies will not allow violence or conduct that could destabilize the state.
“Any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response,” Ribadu warned.
The NSA stated that the police, along with other security agencies, had been fully mobilized to ensure adequate safety for voters, election officials, and electoral materials before, during, and after the elections.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s readiness for the Anambra governorship election.
He stated that all logistical and security preparations had been completed.
“With just 11 days to the Anambra governorship election, the commission is confident in affirming its full preparedness for the polls,” Amupitan stated.
“We plan to deploy about 24,000 personnel, with voting taking place in 5,718 of the state’s 5,720 polling units.”
The INEC Chairman asked security agencies to continue their partnership in creating a safe and orderly polling environment while warning against vote-buying and voter inducement.
“Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate,” he said.
“Together, let us combat vote-buying, uphold democratic values, and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections.”
