Residents of Anambra State have expressed mixed reactions as voters head to the polls today under tight security. While some praised the organisation of the exercise, others voiced concern over the overwhelming presence of security personnel across the state.
The Nigeria Police Force initially deployed 45,000 officers to monitor the election but increased the figure to 55,000 on the eve of the poll. This number excludes operatives from other security agencies drafted to ensure peace in the state.
On Friday, long convoys of buses carrying police officers were seen in Awka, the state capital, heading to their respective duty posts.
Mrs Catherine Egwu, a restaurant owner at Udoka Estate, said the large number of security operatives created tension among residents, even though the atmosphere was calmer than in previous elections.
“Four years ago, I didn’t vote because of fear,” she recalled. “Biafra agitators threatened there would be no election. This time, there are no such threats, and while we still hear of crimes like kidnapping and robbery, it’s not as bad as before.”
Egwu, who hails from Awka North, said she would still cast her vote—not out of expectation, but as a civic duty. “I attended rallies, but politicians said the same things as always. If they put half of that campaign energy into governance, Anambra would be better,” she added.
In Amawbia, hotelier Sydney Obasi said the election had already boosted local business activity. “All 40 rooms in my hotel are fully booked—unlike four years ago when many guests cancelled. This shows more people believe the election will hold peacefully,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process. He disclosed that a Commissioner of Police had been assigned to each of the 21 local government areas to ensure order and protection of voters’ rights.
“We’ve mobilised enough officers to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise,” Ikenga said, urging citizens to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security operatives.
As voting continues, Anambra residents remain cautiously hopeful that today’s election will mark a new chapter of peace and civic participation in the state.
