Anambra Police Enforce Total Lockdown Ahead of Governorship Election

Police restrict vehicle movement across Anambra for election security.
Only essential workers, INEC officials, and observers are exempted.
Residents urged to comply and ensure peaceful voting.

The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction on vehicular movement in and out of the state as residents head to the polls for the governorship election today.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the restriction will be enforced from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day, covering all roads within the state, including interstate highways.

Ikenga explained that the decision was taken at a joint security meeting held on November 5, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in Awka, where security chiefs agreed on measures to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

According to the police spokesman, the movement restriction is part of efforts to prevent political thuggery, voter intimidation, and other criminal activities that could disrupt the electoral process.

“The restriction applies to all forms of motorised transportation, including private vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, motorcycles, and shuttle buses,” he said.

He further advised interstate travellers to avoid routes passing through Anambra during the election period, noting that only persons on essential duties would be exempted from the movement restriction.

“Those permitted to move include designated INEC officials, accredited journalists and election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and essential service providers. Such persons must carry valid identification and clearance tags at all times,” Ikenga stated.

The Command urged residents to comply fully with the directive, describing it as a necessary step to protect lives and property, as well as ensure that voters can cast their ballots freely and safely.

Ikenga also appealed to voters to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security personnel deployed across the state to maintain peace and order throughout the exercise.