The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any act of violence during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election will be met with a firm response from security agencies.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ribadu said the federal government had taken extensive measures to ensure a peaceful and credible poll on 8 November.
Ribadu, represented by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the NSA’s office, said the arrangements include enhanced surveillance, the deployment of adequate security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent electoral violence.
“As we prepare for the Anambra governorship election, we have put in place robust security arrangements,” Ribadu said.
“Any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response.”
He urged political leaders and candidates to act responsibly, stressing that the government would not tolerate disruptions or actions capable of destabilising the state.
The NSA added that the police and other security agencies had been fully mobilised to protect voters, electoral officials, and materials before, during, and after the election.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s preparedness for the Anambra poll, saying all logistical and security arrangements had been finalised.
“With just 11 days to the Anambra governorship election, the commission is confident in affirming its full preparedness,” Amupitan said.
He said about 24,000 personnel would be deployed to cover 5,718 polling units across the state’s 5,720 voting centres.
The INEC chairman urged security agencies to maintain close coordination to ensure a safe voting environment and cautioned against vote-buying.
“Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate,” he warned.
“Together, let us uphold democratic values and work for credible elections.”