The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the NSA during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the Director of the Directorate of Internal Security in the Office of the NSA, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, said extensive security preparations had been put in place to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and other participants in the electoral process.
Abdullahi, who represented Ribadu at the meeting, noted that the NSA could not attend due to what he described as pressing national security obligations. He stressed that the security agencies are working in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to provide strategic coordination and mobilization of security assets during elections across the country.
According to him, the mandate of ICCES is to ensure that Nigeria’s elections are conducted in conditions that are free from fear, intimidation, and violence. He stated that all security agencies under the supervision of the NSA remain committed to fulfilling this responsibility, especially as political activities heighten in Anambra ahead of the November polls.
“As we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election on the 8th of November, we have instituted robust security measures. These include enhanced surveillance, deployment of adequate personnel, and strengthened intelligence gathering systems to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the process,” he said.
He added that the security agencies are engaging political parties, candidates, and grassroots stakeholders to promote peace and discourage actions capable of triggering violence. Abdullahi stressed that the government will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, intimidation of voters, or attempts to manipulate or obstruct the electoral process.
“We are also engaging political party leaders and community stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated. All political parties and their candidates must advocate peace and encourage their supporters to conduct themselves in a way that respects the integrity of our democratic system,” he stated.
Abdullahi emphasized that any individual or group found attempting to cause disturbances during the election will face swift and decisive consequences from law enforcement authorities.
He reassured citizens of Anambra State that the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force which is the lead agency for election security, are fully prepared to maintain law and order before, during, and after the election.
“The Nigeria Police Force, alongside other security agencies, stands prepared and resolute to maintain a secure environment during the governorship election. We call upon all citizens to collaborate with us and commit to a peaceful electoral process that reflects our shared values and aspirations,” he said.
The forthcoming Anambra election is considered critical, not only because of the state’s strategic political significance in the Southeast, but also due to recent concerns regarding insecurity, political rivalries, and heightened competition among leading parties.
Political observers note that the election environment will test the capacity of security institutions to manage tensions while ensuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is able to discharge its responsibility without interference.
Security experts have also warned that early identification of potential flashpoints and prevention of targeted violence will be key to avoiding disruptions. The engagement of community influencers, youth groups, and traditional leadership structures is expected to play a significant role in keeping the peace before and after voting.
Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional in carrying out their duties, warning that any perception of bias could erode public trust and heighten tensions.
The ONSA statement however reassures that neutrality, professionalism, and strict adherence to electoral laws will guide every security deployment.
The Anambra governorship election is expected to attract close monitoring by domestic and international observers, including organizations focused on democratic accountability and conflict prevention.
With political campaigns gaining momentum across the state, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether party actors, supporters, and stakeholders heed the renewed calls for restraint and peaceful participation.
