The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement across the state during the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. The restriction, which will last from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 p.m. on election day, is part of measures to ensure peace, safety, and the smooth conduct of the polls.
The announcement was made through a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State.
According to the police, the restriction will affect all forms of motorized transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, motorcycles, and shuttle buses. The order applies to all roads within the state, including major interstate highways that connect Anambra to neighboring states such as Enugu, Delta, Imo, and Kogi.
SP Tochukwu said the decision was reached after a meeting of heads of security agencies in Anambra State, held on November 5, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in Awka. The meeting brought together senior officers from the police, army, civil defense, DSS, FRSC, and other security agencies, where they jointly agreed on the movement restriction as a preventive measure against electoral violence and disruptions.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the police spokesperson said the move was necessary to curb the movement of political thugs and criminal elements who might attempt to cause chaos during the election. He added that the restriction is a standard security measure used during major elections in Nigeria to minimize risks and ensure that voters can freely exercise their civic rights in a safe environment.
“The restriction is to safeguard lives and property, ensure a peaceful election atmosphere, and guarantee that voters freely exercise their right to vote for their preferred candidate,” Tochukwu said.
He further stressed that the command was fully prepared to provide adequate security before, during, and after the election. Security personnel will be stationed across polling units, collation centers, and strategic points throughout the state to maintain law and order.
The police clarified that the movement restriction will not apply to certain essential workers and officials whose duties are critical to the success of the election and public safety. These include:
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and ad-hoc staff
Accredited journalists covering the election
Election observers approved by INEC
Medical personnel and emergency responders
Essential services providers, such as electricity and water workers
However, all exempted individuals are required to carry valid identification cards and clearance tags at all times. The police warned that anyone found violating the restriction without proper authorization will face arrest and possible prosecution.
Anambra State, known for its vibrant political landscape, has often witnessed heightened tension during election periods. In past elections, security agencies have recorded incidents of vote buying, ballot box snatching, and clashes between supporters of rival parties.
To address these concerns, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have adopted a coordinated approach aimed at ensuring transparency and safety during the 2025 governorship election.
The Anambra poll is being closely watched across Nigeria because the state is a key political and economic hub in the South-East region. The outcome is expected to influence the political direction of the zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent months, INEC has assured residents that it is fully prepared for the election, with sensitive materials already distributed to local government areas under tight security. Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for peaceful participation, urging political parties to respect the electoral process and discourage violence.
The Anambra Police Command appealed to residents to cooperate with security operatives and comply with the movement restrictions. SP Tochukwu emphasized that the success of the election depends largely on the cooperation of the public and the willingness of citizens to obey lawful orders.
“We call on the electorate to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security personnel who have been deployed across the state to enforce this directive and maintain order,” the statement said.
He further advised travelers who may have planned to pass through Anambra on Saturday to use alternative routes, as all major roads leading in and out of the state will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Residents were also reminded to report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.
The restriction of vehicular movement during elections is not new in Nigeria. It has been implemented in several states during past general and governorship elections as part of national security measures.
In previous Anambra elections, similar restrictions helped reduce incidents of electoral malpractice and violence. However, some residents have often expressed frustration over the inconvenience caused by the lockdown, especially for those who may have emergencies or urgent travel needs.
Ahead of the election, many Anambra residents have expressed optimism that the police and other security agencies will maintain neutrality and ensure the safety of voters. Community leaders and youth organizations have also launched awareness campaigns encouraging residents to come out and vote peacefully.
A civil rights activist in Awka, Mrs. Ifeoma Eze, said the restriction is understandable considering the history of violence during elections in Nigeria. “What matters most is that people feel safe enough to go out and vote without fear,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Chinedu Nwafor, a trader in Onitsha, urged the police to treat citizens with respect during enforcement. “We know it’s for security reasons, but they should be friendly to voters and not harass people who are genuinely going to vote,” he added.
The Anambra governorship election is expected to be a major political event, with several parties fielding strong candidates. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible poll.
With the movement restriction now in place, security agencies believe they have taken a critical step toward ensuring that the election is peaceful and that the will of the people prevails.
As SP Ikenga Tochukwu concluded, “The safety and security of residents remain our top priority. We urge everyone to obey the rules, remain peaceful, and participate responsibly in the election process.”
