Police Warn IPOB, ESN Against Disrupting Anambra Governorship Election

As political parties prepare for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, the Nigeria Police Force has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and other non-state groups against any attempt to disrupt the polls.

The warning was issued on Monday in Awka during the signing of the peace accord by 16 political parties and their candidates. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General Ben Okoro, said security agencies had been placed on high alert to prevent violence or intimidation before, during, and after the election.

He stated that the police had put in place special intelligence operations to track down individuals or groups planning to cause unrest or interfere with the voting process. Security operatives, he added, would act swiftly against anyone found bearing arms, intimidating voters, or posing as security personnel without authorization.

The police leadership said such offenders would be arrested and prosecuted under existing laws, including the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. According to the police, anyone involved in vote buying, ballot snatching, or voter harassment would face immediate arrest and prosecution under the Electoral Act 2022.

The force explained that cybercrime units had also been deployed to monitor social media and online platforms for fake news or misinformation that could cause public unrest. Those found spreading false reports or attempting to incite violence online would be tracked and charged under the Cybercrime Act.

Security protocols for Election Day were also made clear. Political appointees, candidates, and VIPs will not be allowed to move around with armed escorts or security aides near polling or collation centres. Only accredited INEC officials, journalists, election observers, and party agents are permitted to operate within designated areas. Campaigning or displaying partisan symbols around polling units will not be allowed.

The Inspector General called on political leaders to control their supporters and avoid any form of provocation, stressing that the police would hold party heads responsible for the actions of their members. He urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to help maintain calm and discourage young people from being used for violence.

Representatives of the National Peace Committee, led by retired General Martin Luther Agwai, who stood in for former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, urged candidates to honour the peace accord with discipline and integrity. He reminded them that leadership should be guided by the protection of lives and peace, not personal ambition.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, also spoke at the event, calling on political parties and their supporters to ensure that the election promotes unity and reflects the will of the people. He said INEC had addressed logistical challenges and was ready to conduct a free and fair election across the 5,718 polling units in the state.

According to Amupitan, 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to participate in the election. He said over 24,000 electoral officers would be deployed, with strong security measures provided by the Nigeria Police Force, the Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies.

The INEC boss assured residents that the commission had improved its result management system and taken steps to curb vote-buying. He added that the cooperation of security agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society groups would ensure a peaceful and successful election.

He expressed confidence that, with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, Anambra would witness a credible, transparent, and violence-free election on November 8.