- NSCDC Warns Officers Against Misconduct During Anambra Poll.
- Officers warned to remain neutral and protect critical infrastructure.
- INEC distributes materials as over 2.7 million voters prepare to vote.
As Anambra State prepares for the governorship election on Saturday, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured residents of comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Friday by NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding voters and critical national infrastructure during the exercise. Audi, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Philip Ayuba, said officers deployed for election duty have been properly trained and cautioned to maintain professionalism and neutrality.
“Our presence at polling stations is to protect, not interfere,” Audi said. “We are there to create an atmosphere where voters feel safe, confident, and free to exercise their civic rights.”
He urged operatives to remain impartial, respect human rights, and avoid any conduct that could undermine the credibility of the process. Audi added that the corps’ role extends beyond maintaining order to ensuring the protection of critical assets that support national stability.
“Our mandate compels us to safeguard assets that keep the nation running because the credibility of any election depends not only on voters’ safety but also on the security of systems that sustain it,” he noted.
He listed power installations, communication facilities, and water supply systems among key assets under protection. The NSCDC boss also directed officers to remain vigilant around INEC offices, government buildings, and other sensitive areas.
Audi warned that any misconduct, political involvement, or negligence would attract severe disciplinary action. He disclosed that the NSCDC is working closely with the Police, Armed Forces, and other agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to guarantee a transparent and orderly exercise.
Meanwhile, INEC has begun distributing sensitive materials to all 21 local government areas from the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Awka under tight security. The commission said over 2.7 million registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards are expected to participate across 5,718 polling units. Sixteen political parties, including two female candidates, are contesting in what analysts describe as a key test for Nigeria’s electoral credibility.
