Anambra guber: Election observers decry vote buying, poor security

Election observers raised concerns over vote buying and security lapses at some polling units in Nnewi South, Anambra State, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

One of the observers from the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Dimma Nwobi, described as disturbing practice where party operatives were collecting voters’ cards, with INEC officials providing forms to vote, which were then handed back to party agents to deposit in the ballot boxes.

“They are actually buying votes, negotiating. It is sad,” Nwobi told newsmen at Nnewi on Saturday.

On security, Nwobi stated that only one policeman was assigned to four polling units at a local school, which she deemed insufficient.

“I have escalated the matter to our Situation Room so that more policemen can be deployed to the school,” she added.

Anambra election: 96-year-old woman weeps after denied voting

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has intensified its air surveillance operations across Anambra State to ensure a peaceful, safe, and transparent governorship election in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Ikenga said the intensified aerial patrols were coordinated in synergy with ground troops, marine operatives, and tactical units deployed to strategic locations across the state.

“The air surveillance teams are mandated to monitor movement patterns, detect suspicious gatherings and provide real-time intelligence support to ground commanders for swift operational response,” he said.

Ikenga said the force remained neutral, professional, and committed to protecting all citizens, electoral officials, observers and materials throughout the election period.

He urged the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel performing their lawful duties.

The police spokesman also assured residents that all necessary measures had been put in place to guarantee the sanctity of the ballot, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that every eligible voter exercised their civic right without fear, intimidation or disruption.

The Star