Election Security Operations in the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election: Advancing Democratic Resilience

1.0 Introduction

CLEEN Foundation, through its Election Security Support Centre (ESSC), monitored the conduct and deployment of security agencies during the 2025 Anambra State Gubernatorial Election. As an organisation committed to promoting public safety, police accountability, and democratic governance, CLEEN’s observation focused on how security personnel contributed to maintaining orderly, peaceful, and credible elections. Our assessment is grounded in CLEEN’s longstanding role in advancing evidence-based policing reforms and the professionalization of security agencies in electoral environments. This statement is issued in line with our mandate to support democratic development, strengthen trust between citizens and security actors, and encourage peaceful post-election engagement across the state.

2.0 Methodology of ESSC Observation

CLEEN’s Election Security Support Centre (ESSC), which operated in real-time during the election, had the observers used standardized checklists to assess:

1. The number and distribution of security personnel
2. Whether officers were clearly identified through uniforms or nametags
3. The manner and tone of officers’ engagement with citizens
4. Response times and restraint in managing disruptions or tension
5. The continuity of presence from the start to close of voting
6. The public’s perception of safety and fairness

This methodology ensured balanced, real-time, and non-partisan documentation of security operations.

 

3.0 Pre-Election Security Environment

The pre-election phase was marked by heightened tension due to intra-party conflicts, fears of violence, and incidents of targeted attacks in some communities. However, Security stakeholders, particularly the Commissioner of Police, NSCDC, DSS, and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Anambra demonstrated improved coordination through regular briefings and stakeholder engagements. Notably, security deployments were enhanced in identified flashpoints, and confidence-building patrols were conducted in collaboration with community leaders and traditional institutions. Over 55,200 combined personnel were deployed for the election.

4.0 Election Day Security Operations

4.1 Security Deployment and Presence

Our observation found that most polling stations had an adequate number of personnel. 76% had 2–3 officers stationed throughout the day, most of which arrived between 7:00am and 8:00am, aligning with poll opening times, demonstrating improved deployment planning and logistical coordination. In these locations, security presence contributed significantly to crowd management, orderly queuing, material protection, and voter confidence. However, in 24% of stations, security presence was initially insufficient or intermittent, especially during peak voting periods, creating moments of tension or uncertainty among voters. While these incidents did not escalate into violence, it highlights the need for enhanced planning to prevent security gaps.

4.2 Identification, Appearance, and Professional Bearing

83% of security officials displayed visible name tags or service identification numbers, which served as a critical marker of professionalism and transparency in the electoral process. The visibility of identification not only helped voters easily recognize legitimate officers on duty but also created an atmosphere of accountability, as citizens and election observers could trace conduct to specific personnel or agencies when necessary.

4.3 Conduct, Approachability, and Impartiality

In 64% of polling stations, security personnel were rated as approachable or “Somewhat approachable,” calm, and respectful in their interactions. Officers greeted voters, provided clear instructions, and intervened in ways that de-escalated tension. However, Impartiality varied significantly, with 43% rated as “Very impartial” but 24% as “Not impartial at all.”

4.4 Incident Response and Proportionality of Force

Most polling stations experienced minor or routine disputes, such as disagreements over queue order or voter eligibility clarification. Security personnel generally resolved these swiftly and non-violently, demonstrating improved conflict de-escalation skills. Where force was applied, observers reported that it was largely proportionate to identified threats.

4.5 Voter Safety, Confidence, and Perception

A significant proportion of voters interviewed (67%) reported feeling safe or very safe at their polling stations. Public confidence was highest where officers were consistently present, impartial, and visibly coordinated with INEC officials. Voters were more uncertain in stations where officers temporarily left their posts.

5.0 Gender, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

CLEEN Foundation’s broader peace and governance work highlights the importance of inclusive security architectures, where community members, especially women, participate in dialogue, mediation, and prevention efforts. Integrating women peace actors and community mediators into pre- and post-election communication channels can significantly reduce voter intimidation fears, support de-escalation, and strengthen long-term peace. Advancing women’s roles in peace and security structures is not only a matter of fairness, but of effectiveness, as women mediators have demonstrated strong track records in preventing violence and fostering dialogue in communities across Nigeria.

 

5.0 Post-Election Observations:

Post-election activities, including results collation and announcement, were generally peaceful, with visible presence of security personnel maintaining order. No major post-election violence was recorded except for the Councillor attacked and killed on Ogbnaru. However, there were sporadic reports of tension around collation centres due to misinformation and delays in result transmission.

 

 

6.0 Lessons Learned

• Early engagement and pre-election dialogues helped to de-escalate tensions.
• Welfare and logistical preparedness for deployed personnel remain critical to effective operations.
• Enhanced synergy between INEC and security agencies contributed to overall operational success.
• Strengthened ICCES coordination improved confidence among stakeholders.

7.0 ESSC Recommendations

1. Law enforcement authorities should continue to remain visibly neutral and respond in a proportionate manner to any post-election-related incidents. We also urge the security agencies to continue to professionally discharge their duties with the utmost respect for the rule of law.
2. Improve Welfare and Motivation of Security Personnel by ensuring the timely payment of allowances, provision of logistics, and adequate welfare arrangements to reduce fatigue, morale decline, and susceptibility to inducement during off-cycle elections.
3. Rationalize security deployment levels by reviewing the increasing trend of heavy security presence in off-cycle elections to achieve a balance between adequate protection and cost-effectiveness, avoiding over-securitization that may intimidate voters or stretch institutional resources.
4. We further call on political parties and their candidates to settle electoral disputes through peaceful means and dialogue, in accordance with the law.
5. Intensify continuous voter enlightenment that links citizens’ socio-economic conditions to governance outcomes, helping voters understand that selling their votes perpetuates poverty, exclusion, and bad governance.
6. Enforce campaign finance and anti-vote buying laws by ensuring that electoral and security agencies strengthen surveillance, intelligence sharing, and prosecution of individuals and political parties involved in vote trading, ensuring consistent legal deterrence.
7. Sustain Civil Society and Media Monitoring: Civil society organizations and media should continue to spotlight and document transactional electoral practices, while mobilizing citizens to hold political actors accountable for corrupt electioneering behavior.

7.0 Conclusion

The 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election has once again highlighted both the progress and persisting challenges in Nigeria’s electoral and security management systems. While the professional conduct and early deployment of security personnel contributed to a largely peaceful atmosphere, issues such as the transactional nature of politics, vote buying, and the need for stronger impartial enforcement remain major obstacles to deepening democratic consolidation.

 

 

Signed:

Peter Maduoma

Executive Director