A representative of a civil society organisation monitoring the Anambra State Governorship Election, Jake Epelle, has assured that residents have little to fear regarding security across the state.
Epelle, who is the founder of TAF Africa, said Anambra people are generally peaceful and self-protective during elections.
“I think the security situation is not something to worry much about. The Anambra people are peace-loving. Everyone wants to ensure they don’t shed their own blood, so they find ways to secure themselves,” he said.
However, the election observer cautioned that while the heavy deployment of security personnel is reassuring, it must be carefully managed.
“The presence of security agents can be a plus, but they need to watch it so they don’t become the very breach they’re trying to prevent,” he added.
Epelle disclosed that he had engaged with the police during a town hall meeting ahead of the election, where officers promised to maintain neutrality throughout the process.
“They assured us they will not be partisan because problems arise when the opposition perceives compromise, and that’s when skirmishes begin. They must conduct themselves honourably and adhere strictly to their brief,” he explained.
He, however, expressed mild concern about possible interference from top-level security officials at the headquarters, warning that such actions could create unnecessary distractions.
Epelle also urged voters to participate actively and not allow fear or apathy to deter them from exercising their civic rights.
According to INEC, 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their votes across 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas.
The election, which spans three senatorial districts, features sixteen candidates, including top contenders such as Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
The Commissioner of Police deployed for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, has also assured residents of a peaceful and hitch-free process across all flashpoints, including Ihiala.
He said security agencies had conducted clearance operations in high-risk areas ahead of the poll, confirming that major threats had been neutralised.
Speaking on Anambra’s complex geography and its borders with five states, the commissioner added that it posed no significant challenge to the overall security plan.
