Nigerian Police Urges Non-State Actors to Avoid Anambra Elections

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly warned non-state actors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and Ebube-Agu, to refrain from interfering in the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for November 8, 2023. This warning emphasizes that the provision of security during the election is the exclusive responsibility of federal agencies.

During the signing of the National Peace Accord at the International Conference Centre in Awka, Ben Okoro, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, echoed Egbetokun’s message. He stated that any individual or group found attempting to obstruct lawful voting or undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria would face a decisive law enforcement response. Okoro declared, “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 Inspector-General elaborated on the measures being implemented to ensure a peaceful electoral process. He noted that targeted intelligence operations are actively identifying and dismantling networks or individuals aiming to intimidate voters or disrupt the election. He stressed that the peace of Anambra State is non-negotiable.

In his address, Okoro clarified that individuals or groups bearing arms or engaging in unauthorized security duties would be treated as armed non-state actors. Such individuals would be swiftly neutralized and prosecuted under the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. “This remains an operational red line that will be enforced without hesitation,” he stated.

The Nigerian Police Force has implemented a zero tolerance protocol to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and related laws. “Electoral offenses will be treated as criminal violations of national security, not mere political misconduct,” Okoro added, highlighting that activities like ballot snatching and voter intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022. Officers have been instructed to make immediate arrests based on initial evidence, with a dedicated electoral offenses desk established across the state to ensure diligent prosecution.

In addition to physical security measures, specialized cybercrime units have been deployed to monitor and counter misinformation and digital propaganda that could disrupt public peace or discredit the electoral process.

Strict Election Day Protocols Enforced

The police outlined specific protocols for Election Day that will be enforced under federal law. Political appointees and candidates are prohibited from moving with armed escorts or security personnel to polling and collation centers. Only accredited officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election observers, and journalists are allowed to move freely between designated areas.

Political party agents and security personnel must remain within their signed jurisdictions, and any campaigning or partisan displays near polling units are strictly prohibited. Okoro warned that possession of weapons or instruments of intimidation will result in immediate arrest, placing responsibility for maintaining peace on political parties, candidates, and their campaign managers.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the upcoming election. He reassured all stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to conducting the election in accordance with the law and global best practices. “By signing this Peace Accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but we are also sending a strong message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails,” he stated.

Amupitan encouraged all political parties and candidates to adhere to the principles of the accord, aiming for an election remembered for unity rather than division. He emphasized that INEC has taken proactive steps to address operational challenges to ensure a smooth and credible election process. This includes extensive engagement with officials, transport providers, and security agencies to coordinate the deployment of 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units and multiple collation centers.

Voters can expect significant improvements in Election Day logistics, as INEC aims to enhance result management processes. The upcoming election in Anambra State is poised to be a critical moment for the region, with hopes for a peaceful and democratic expression of the electorate’s will.