Cynthia Ezegwu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured residents of Anambra State of maximum security ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, pledging to protect critical national assets and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Friday by the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.
Represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Philip Ayuba, Audi said officers deployed for election duties had been adequately briefed to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and respect for human rights throughout the exercise.
“Our presence at polling stations is to protect, not to interfere. We are there to create an atmosphere where voters feel safe, confident, and free to exercise their civic rights,” Audi stated.
He explained that the Corps’ role extended beyond maintaining law and order, adding that safeguarding critical infrastructure—such as power supply, water systems, communication facilities, and other public utilities—was vital to the success and credibility of the election.
“Our mandate compels us to safeguard the assets that keep the nation running, because the credibility of any election depends not just on the safety of voters but also on the protection of the systems that sustain it,” he said.
The NSCDC Commandant General reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to its constitutional duties of protecting lives and public infrastructure while ensuring peace and stability during national assignments.
He further directed officers to maintain vigilance around Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities, government buildings, and other strategic locations, warning that any form of misconduct or political bias would attract disciplinary action.
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Audi also disclosed that the NSCDC would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure a smooth and transparent poll.
He urged voters to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security operatives, assuring them that their safety and the protection of critical assets remained top priorities for the Corps.
Meanwhile, INEC on Thursday commenced the distribution of election materials to the 21 local government areas of Anambra State from the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Awka.
According to INEC figures, 2.7 million registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are expected to participate in the election, which will hold across 5,718 polling units.
A total of 16 political parties have fielded candidates in the governorship race, including two female contenders, in what is expected to be a key test of Nigeria’s democratic process and INEC’s capacity to deliver credible elections.