…as Security Agencies vows to deal with violators
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged the Political Parties involved in the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election, to maintain decorum before, during and after the the Saturday election.
Professor Joash Amupitan, who stated this during the signing of Peace Accord in Akwa, Anambra State, said, as the election management body, “I want to reassure all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices, and the very principles enshrined in the Peace Accord we are about to endorse”.
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has equally warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), or its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), or any other non state actor who may plan to interfere with the election to desist or face the wrath of the law.
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He said the Nigerian Police had with precision targeted intelligence operations to identify, isolate and dismantle any network or individual floating acts of intimidation or violence during or after the election.
Egbetokun warned that the peace of Anambra state was not negotiable, and that “any person or group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorized security duties outside recognised federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non state actor.”
“Such persons shall be swiftly neutralised, arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 this remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation.
“The Nigerian police force has activated the zero tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure total compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws. Our professionalism will be matched by decisiveness, our exchange by precision. Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct”, he added.
On the part of INEC, Professor Amupitan, emphasised that “it is not the signatures on the document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions. Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.
He therefore, urged them to append their signatures and ensure the message cascade to supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections.
According to him, “by signing this Peace Accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but we are also sending a strong message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails. Each one of us has a part to play in this process, and I urge all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to the principles of this accord.
“Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals. Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra State is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.
“For our part, the Commission has taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state. We have extensively engaged our officials, transport providers, and security agencies to fine-tune deployment arrangements for 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 Polling Units, 326 Ward Collation Centres, 21 Local Government Collation Centres, and ultimately, the State Collation Centre in Awka. Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics. Enhanced result management processes will also be evident.
Amupitan thanked the National Peace Committee (NPC), for their unwavering effort in ensuring every election in Nigeria is peaceful. “Your efforts in convening parties, candidates, and stakeholders around a shared vision of peace continue to make an immeasurable difference to our democracy.
“As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, I am proud to be part of the signing of the Peace Accord for the Anambra State 2025 Governorship Off-Cycle Election”, he reaffirmed.
