The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implored security agencies to replicate the security template used successfully in the last Ondo State Governorship election for the Anambra State Governorship poll, scheduled for 8th November 2025.

Speaking at the first quarterly meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for the year 2025, held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, the Commission?s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu underscored the critical role of security agencies in ensuring seamless, peaceful, and credible elections.

He noted that the Ondo governorship poll had provided a template for future elections due to the enhanced coordination inherent in the deployment of security and electoral officials, which, he affirmed, contributed significantly to the early commencement of and overall peaceful conduct of the election, even in the challenging riverine areas.

He said: ?We must replicate the happy experience of Ondo State in the forthcoming elections. We cannot lower the standards. We should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond.?

Prof. Yakubu also reiterated the importance synergy among stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated electoral process in Anambra State, where voting will take place in 5,720 polling units across 21 Local Government Areas.

Beyond the Anambra election, INEC is also preparing for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election, slated for 21st February 2026, alongside multiple bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across the country. In this regard, Prof. Yakubu assured security agencies that detailed operational guidelines, including terrain analysis and security assessments, would be provided to facilitate efficient planning and deployment.

The INEC Chairman reminded the security chiefs that vote-buying remains a threat to credible elections. He acknowledged the proactive efforts undertaken by law enforcement agencies, particularly anti-graft bodies, in combating the menace. He called for sustained collaboration to ensure that offenders continue to face the full wrath of the law.

He said: ?Beyond the arrest of vote buyers on Election Day, our active partnership has so far resulted in the successful prosecution of some offenders in three States. We must build on this momentum.?

On his part, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-chairman of ICCES, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the improvements in election security witnessed during the Edo and Ondo off-cycle governorship elections. According to him, the seamless cooperation among security agencies enabled swift responses to incidents that could otherwise have disrupted the polls.

Represented by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the NSA cited the deployment of advanced security technology, including drones and enhanced communication systems, as key factors that contributed to a smooth electoral process. ?The lessons learned from the Edo and Ondo elections will be vital in refining security strategies ahead of the Anambra State Governorship election and other forthcoming polls,? he assured.

While acknowledging that voter turnout in Edo and Ondo States was not as high as anticipated, Mallam Ribadu commended the generally peaceful conduct of voters. He noted, however, that some polling units experienced delays due to logistical constraints. Moving forward, he emphasized that all identified challenges would be addressed to ensure a more efficient electoral process in Anambra and beyond.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to ensuring adequate security during elections across the country. Represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Abayomi Sogule, the IGP assured the Commission of the Police?s dedication to maintaining peace, protecting electoral materials and officials before, during and after elections.

He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the Police and other security agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. (INEC NEWS)

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