Sixteen political parties and their candidates met in Awka on Monday, the 3rd of November, 2025, to sign a peace accord ahead of the Anambra governorship election.
During the event, the Nigeria Police Force issued a strong warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra, the Eastern Security Network, and other non-state groups to stay away from the polls.
According to the police, any attempt to disrupt voting “shall invite an immediate, coordinated and overwhelming law enforcement response.”
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General Ben Okoro, said the force had already launched targeted intelligence operations to identify and dismantle individuals or groups planning violence or intimidation.
He stressed that the peace of Anambra would not be compromised. The IG declared that “any person of the group found bearing arms, brandishing instruments of intimidation, or performing unauthorised security duties outside recognised federal agencies shall be treated as an armed non-state actor.” He added that “such persons shall be swiftly neutralised, arrested 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 announced that the police had activated a “zero tolerance enforcement protocol” to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act. Electoral crimes will be addressed as security threats, and offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying, and voter intimidation are felonies.
Security personnel are under strict orders to make immediate arrests when evidence is established and to ensure prosecution through the electoral offences desk. Cybercrime units are also monitoring digital misinformation, online propaganda, and coordinated attempts to stir unrest. The police said, “Those who weaponise misinformation to incite violence will be traced, apprehended and prosecuted under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.”
He also listed mandatory election day rules. VIPs and political officeholders are barred from coming to polling or collation centres with armed escorts. Only accredited INEC officials, observers, and journalists are allowed to move freely between designated areas, while party agents and security operatives must stay within approved locations. Campaigns and provocative acts around polling stations are banned, and anyone caught with weapons or tools of intimidation faces immediate arrest.
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The police warned that party leaders would be held responsible for the actions of their supporters. “Campaign with honour; persuade rather than provoke. True violence is illegitimate and unsustainable.” He called on traditional and religious leaders to discourage young people from political violence, saying the Police Force stands as a shield for citizens.
The National Peace Committee was represented by Lt Gen Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), who reminded candidates that the peace accord requires discipline and responsibility. He urged INEC to conduct a transparent and credible election and told security agencies to protect citizens rather than intimidate them. He stressed that leadership comes with the duty to safeguard peace and ensure no life is put at risk. He encouraged traditional rulers and religious leaders to guide their communities, and asked the media to report in ways that promote understanding, not fear or division. “To the media, we appeal for reporting that informs and builds understanding, not reporting that instills fear or division.”
INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan appealed to political parties and their supporters to respect the peace accord. He said, “Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.” He explained that the commission had strengthened logistics and result management for the entire state. INEC has engaged its personnel, transport providers and security agencies to ensure smooth deployment of 24,000 staff and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, 21 local government collation centres, and the state collation centre.
He said voters could expect improved logistics and better results management. He disclosed that the final register has 2,802,790 eligible voters and that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards was extended to November 2, 2025. He warned that vote-buying will be confronted, and anyone trying to manipulate the process will face the law. He also noted that security agencies have deployed tens of thousands of operatives, including 45,000 police officers and 10,250 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He concluded that with the peace accord in place, strong security measures and the involvement of traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders, the 2025 Anambra governorship election is expected to be peaceful and successful.