… Security Personnel Increased to 60,000 for Polls
Citypost News Desk
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
The exercise, which took place at the Awka branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was closely monitored by party agents and security operatives to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the materials being distributed include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Forms EC8A and EC8B, which will be deployed to various Registration Area Centers (RACs) across the state.
“What we are doing here at the Central Bank of Nigeria is the delivery of sensitive materials, which are the BVAS, Forms EC8A and EC8B, for Saturday’s election,” Agwu stated.
In a related development, the Commissioner of Police for the election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, announced a significant increase in the number of security personnel to be deployed for the poll.
He revealed that the figure, initially pegged at 45,000, has been raised to between 55,000 and 60,000 to enhance security coverage across the state.
“The increase is not to scare eligible voters but to guarantee effective operations and the safety of both voters and electoral officials,” Shogunle explained.
He further noted that the security personnel would include officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, and other sister agencies.
“Our aim is to ensure that at least three security operatives are stationed in every polling unit to maintain order and ensure a free, fair, and transparent election,” the Police Commissioner added.
With the distribution of sensitive materials now underway and security deployment intensified, INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a credible and peaceful election in Anambra State.
