As preparations intensify for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters to shun violence, stating that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process will be met with a strong and decisive response.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday through the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Ribadu assured that all necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

“All participating political parties and their candidates must promote peace and guide their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly. Any act of violence during the election will be met with a firm and uncompromising response,” he stated.

The NSA reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force, supported by other security agencies, is fully prepared to provide a secure environment before, during, and after the election.

“The Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, along with other security agencies, stands prepared to maintain law and order throughout the Anambra governorship election. We urge all citizens to cooperate and commit to a peaceful electoral process that reflects our shared democratic values,” Ribadu added.

In a related development, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed that the commission is fully ready for the exercise, both logistically and operationally.

He said the election will be conducted in 5,718 of the 5,720 polling units in the state, excluding two units that have no registered voters. According to him, about 24,000 INEC officials will be deployed for the election.

Amupitan also justified the extension of the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Sunday, November 2, following reports that only 63.9 percent of eligible voters have collected their cards.

“The extension will allow more voters to collect their PVCs at designated centres across the 326 registration areas. Our goal is to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised,” he explained.

The INEC chairman emphasized that PVCs must be collected personally, as proxy collection remains prohibited. He commended residents of Anambra for their patience and cooperation and urged them to use the remaining days to prepare for the election.

Professor Amupitan further revealed that security agencies have identified potential flashpoints across the state and urged continued inter-agency coordination to safeguard voters, officials, and materials during the polls.

Reiterating the commission’s zero tolerance for vote buying, Amupitan warned political parties and candidates against attempting to influence voters.

“Any form of inducement before or during the election will be resisted. We are working closely with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to curb vote buying and protect the integrity of our elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of 45,000 police officers for the election.

Represented by the Commissioner of Police for the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, the IGP explained that tactical teams will be deployed from November 1 to conduct clearance operations and neutralise potential threats ahead of the poll.

He assured that the police are committed to ensuring voters exercise their rights in a safe and secure environment.

“We are determined to maintain order and prevent any disruption before, during, and after the election,” the IGP stated.