The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any acts of violence during the Anambra State governorship election will be met with a firm and decisive response from security agencies.

Ribadu issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was represented at the meeting by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the NSA’s office.

“As we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025, we have put in place robust security arrangements,” Ribadu said.
“These include enhanced surveillance, the deployment of sufficient security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.”

The NSA emphasized that political leaders and candidates must take responsibility for maintaining peace, stressing that security agencies would not tolerate violence or destabilizing acts.

“Any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response,” Ribadu warned.

He added that the police and other security agencies had been fully mobilized to provide adequate protection for voters, election officials, and electoral materials before, during, and after the polls.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s readiness for the election, noting that all logistical and security preparations had been finalized.

“With just 11 days to the Anambra governorship election, the commission is confident in affirming its full preparedness for the polls,” Amupitan stated.
“We plan to deploy about 24,000 personnel, with voting taking place in 5,718 of the state’s 5,720 polling units.”

The INEC Chairman also urged security agencies to maintain collaboration to ensure a safe and orderly voting environment, while warning against vote-buying and voter inducement.

“Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate,” he said.
“Together, let us combat vote-buying, uphold democratic values, and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections.”

The meeting, which included representatives of the military, police, paramilitary agencies, and other stakeholders, is part of ongoing efforts to guarantee a violence-free and transparent election in Anambra State.