Security operatives cordon off INEC’s Anambra office ahead of Saturday poll
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The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Anambra State has been barricaded by security agencies ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
On Friday morning, hundreds of security personnel were seen around the area, while several armoured personnel carriers were used to block strategic locations across Ekwueme Square in Awka, where the INEC office is situated.
The security personnel prevented all other vehicles from moving into Ekwueme Square as people, including motorists, parked their vehicles and trekked across the road to access their destinations.
This development is a result of the movement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, as well as the ongoing deployment of electoral officials, including ad hoc staff.
An INEC official, who requested anonymity, said, “Soldiers and policemen were drafted to the premises and environs to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Movement of materials and electoral personnel is still ongoing.
This is also to prevent distractions from members of the public. The INEC office was cordoned off as policemen prevented unwanted visitors from entering or exiting the premises.
“As you know, it is the commission that takes the decision, and it is to ensure strict adherence to security measures according to the Electoral Act.”
Online reports that INEC declared full readiness for the governorship election slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025, in 5,718 polling units across the state.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, during a stakeholders meeting in Awka, said about 24,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed, while about 540 journalists have been accredited to cover the election, adding that the commission is fully committed to the governorship poll in line with its commitment to credible and inclusive elections.
According to INEC, 16 candidates from 16 political parties are contesting the governorship election to wrest power from the incumbent, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who is also seeking re-election under the platform of APGA.
