Police Assure Full Security As INEC Distributes Sensitive Materials Ahead Of Anambra Poll

The Commissioner of Police for election duty in Anambra State, Abayomi Shogunle, has assured residents of adequate security coverage across all parts of the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Shogunle gave the assurance on Thursday as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Awka to collect sensitive election materials.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Queen Agwu, supervised the process, which was witnessed by party agents, journalists, and election observers. Although INEC officials arrived later than the scheduled 10 a.m., the exercise proceeded smoothly.

According to INEC, 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas of the state.

Sixteen candidates are contesting the election, including incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to a credible and peaceful poll, warning against vote-buying and electoral violence.

Shogunle confirmed that elections would not hold in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.

“My task is to ensure there is adequate security across the state throughout the election period. The exception of the two polling units is because no one has registered to vote there. Otherwise, the election will go ahead in all locations as expected,” he said.

The police chief disclosed that all security and logistics arrangements had been finalised to ensure smooth deployment.

“Everything required to make this happen has been put in place. What we are witnessing today is part of that process — the distribution of electoral materials from the Central Bank to all local government areas.
From there, they will move to the super racks, then to the racks, and by early Saturday morning, all materials will have arrived at the polling stations,” he explained.

On security deployment, Shogunle said coordinated operations would be conducted on land, air, and waterways to guarantee safety.

“Shortly before this interview, a police patrol helicopter flew over us. Police boats are patrolling the waterways to ensure nothing unexpected happens.
The elections will go ahead in all areas, including riverine communities, and we are working closely with the Nigerian Navy to achieve this,” he said.