By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement within and across the state on Saturday, November 8, 2025, the day scheduled for the Anambra governorship election.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the restriction will be enforced from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the Election Day. The directive, according to the Command, affects all categories of motorized transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, motorcycles, and shuttle buses.
SP Ikenga explained that the measure was part of the joint security arrangements agreed upon by heads of various security agencies in the state during a high-level meeting held at the Police State Headquarters, Awka, on November 5, 2025. He said the restriction was designed to forestall the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who might attempt to undermine the electoral process or cause a breakdown of law and order.
The Police Command advised motorists and interstate travelers to plan their movements accordingly and make use of alternative routes during the restriction period. It further noted that only individuals on essential duties — such as accredited journalists, designated INEC officials, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and other critical service providers — would be exempted from the restriction. Such persons, the statement added, must carry valid identification and clearance tags at all times to avoid confrontation with security operatives.
The Command appealed to residents and voters to cooperate fully with the security agencies deployed across the state to enforce the directive and maintain peace throughout the electoral exercise. It assured the public that the measure was strictly in the interest of safety, peace, and free participation of voters in the election.
According to him, residents are urged to comply with this security arrangement as it is designed to safeguard lives and property, ensure a peaceful election atmosphere, and guarantee that voters freely exercise their right to vote their preferred candidate.
SP Ikenga reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring a secure and credible electoral process, urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police formation.
