Tight security grips Awka ahead of the Anambra Governorship Election 2025, as police and military officers flood the streets to ensure peaceful voting
The Anambra Governorship Election 2025 is set to hold on Saturday, November 8, amid heightened security across Awka metropolis and surrounding communities.
Also read: Peter Obi calls for peaceful Anambra election
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent revealed an atmosphere of calm and cautious anticipation, with heavily armed security operatives stationed at strategic points throughout the state capital.
Vehicular movement around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Awka was restricted on Friday, with diversions through local routes as part of the state’s security operations.
Along the Nibo–Nise axis in Awka South Local Government Area, uniformed officers maintained a visible presence at known flashpoints, allowing residents and motorists to move freely while monitoring activities closely.
While residents acknowledged the government’s effort to secure the polls, some expressed anxiety over the show of force.
Mrs Ifeoma Egbo, a trader at Eke Awka Market, described the atmosphere as tense due to the low-flying aircraft and heavy security patrols.
“There are security men in uniforms in almost all the areas,” she said. “The sounds of air raids have created fear, especially among elderly people who may stay away from voting.”
Another trader, Mrs Grace Anagor, offered a more positive view, noting that markets were unusually busy as residents stocked up for the election weekend.
She praised the visible security presence as reassuring, urging officers to “operate professionally and with a human face.”
Authorities confirmed the deployment of 60,000 police and military personnel across Anambra State to secure 5,720 polling units, an operation described as one of the most extensive in recent years.
INEC has also reported a 98.8 per cent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate, indicating strong voter readiness ahead of the polls.
Also read: Peter Obi calls for peaceful Anambra election
As election day approaches, Awka remains calm but alert, with residents hopeful that the vote will proceed peacefully under the tight watch of security operatives.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
