Anambra Police Pledge Neutrality Ahead of November 8 Governorship Election

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, has assured that the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and has no interest in who emerges victorious in the November 8 governorship election.

Orutugu made the statement during a visit to the Aguata and Otuocha Area Commands, where he interfaced with security stakeholders, officers, and men of the command as part of preparations for the upcoming poll.

According to a press release issued by the spokesperson for the state command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the visit was part of ongoing engagements aimed at ensuring adequate security before, during, and after the election.

Quoting the commissioner, Ikenga said: “The Nigeria Police Force remains a strictly neutral and non-partisan institution. The Police is not interested in who wins or loses the election but is firmly committed to ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful, credible, and free of violence before, during, and after the polls.”

Orutugu also charged Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, and operational teams to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, courtesy, and firmness as political activities intensify.

He emphasized that all officers must remain apolitical and act in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Police Code of Conduct, and Standard Operating Procedures.

The police commissioner also held a stakeholder meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union executives, youth and women groups, vigilante operatives, and other community security structures.

The discussions, according to Ikenga, centered on strengthening intelligence sharing, preventing voter intimidation, countering electoral violence, and encouraging peaceful participation in the election.

Orutugu reiterated that the peace, unity, and collective stability of Anambra State remain paramount and must take precedence over partisan interests.