Anambra State police have imposed a restriction on human and vehicular movements ahead of the governorship election on November 8, 2025. The measure aims to prevent disruptions by political thugs and ensure a peaceful vote. Exemptions apply to essential personnel with proper identification.
The Anambra State Police Command announced a restriction on all human and vehicular movements within the state for the governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. This directive covers the state's 326 electoral wards and applies to private vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles known as Keke, motorcycles called Okada, and shuttle buses. The restriction will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day, encompassing all roads including interstate highways.
The decision stemmed from a unanimous agreement at a meeting of Security Service Commanders held on Thursday at the Police State Headquarters in Awka. State Command Public Relations Officer Ikenga Tochukwu stated that the measure is designed to curb the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements that could disrupt the electoral process. He advised interstate travelers to seek alternative routes during the period and emphasized that only those on essential duties are exempt.
Exempted individuals include designated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accredited journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and essential service providers. Tochukwu noted, “These include designated INEC officials, accredited journalists and election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and essential service providers,” adding that they must carry valid identification and official clearance tags to avoid inconvenience.
Ikenga urged residents and motorists to comply, describing the restriction as a security measure to protect lives, maintain public order, and ensure a credible election. He appealed for cooperation with deployed security personnel.
In related developments, INEC reported that 2,769,137 out of 2,802,790 registered voters—or 98.8%—have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, called this “a significant achievement.” The commission extended the PVC collection deadline from October 29 to November 2 across all 326 registration areas, boosting collection from an initial 63.9%. Uncollected cards will be stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria post-election.