Awka, Nigeria — The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has issued a powerful caution to political parties and candidates in Anambra State, emphasizing that their commitment to the Peace Accord must extend beyond the ceremony to ensure a peaceful election.
Speaking at the signing of the Accord ahead of the Saturday, November 8, 2025, governorship poll, Professor Amupitan stressed that only the genuine commitment of the signatories can prevent disruption.
“Let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions,” Professor Amupitan said. “Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.”
The accord, which sees 16 political parties commit to non-violence and mutual respect, was convened by the influential National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Police Issue Zero Tolerance Warning to Non-State Actors
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force issued a severe warning to all non-state actors, specifically naming the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the state-owned vigilante group Ebube-Agu, to stay away from the election.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Ben Okoro, asserted that security provision for the election is solely the responsibility of federal agents.
“Any attempt by IPOB, ESN or any other non-state actor to interfere with the forthcoming election shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response,” the Police warned.
The Police announced a “zero tolerance enforcement protocol,” stating that any individual or group found bearing arms or performing unauthorized security duties will be treated as an armed non-state actor and will be “swiftly neutralized, arrested and prosecuted” under federal laws, including the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
INEC Details Extensive Preparations
The INEC Chairman confirmed that the Commission has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the election and is deploying vast resources to ensure a credible process:
- Personnel: INEC will deploy 24,000 personnel to cover 5,718 Polling Units and various collation centres.
- Security: The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has mobilized massive manpower, including 45,000 personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and 10,250 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Professor Amupitan affirmed INEC’s resolve to combat malpractice, warning that individuals planning to “subvert the will of the people will be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.” The Police also stressed strict enforcement of Election Day protocols, including banning VIP movement with armed escorts to polling units.
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