The Police Service Commission (PSC) has commended the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as a commendable, professional, and efficient performance during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State. The Commission noted that the exercise was largely peaceful, free, and fair.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commission said the professional conduct of police officers deployed across the state lent legitimacy to the electoral process and reflected improved policing standards during elections.
Bar. Taiwo Lakanu, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and leader of the PSC monitoring team, applauded the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, for ensuring adequate deployment, logistics, and operational readiness of personnel throughout the poll.
Lakanu, who visited several polling units across Anambra, expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere of calm and orderliness, noting that he witnessed no incidents of ballot snatching or voter intimidation.
“The process was smooth, and voters exercised their rights without fear,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing police performance during elections to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Similarly, Ferdinand Ekpe, mni, Director of the Department of Police Discipline and leader of the PSC team in Anambra North, reported effective collaboration between the Police and other security agencies. His team, which monitored polling units across Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, and Oyi Local Government Areas, observed strong inter-agency synergy and professional conduct by officers on election duty.
In the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, George Muruako, Deputy Director of the Department of Police Investigation and team leader, also commended officers for their courtesy and coordination at polling centres in Agu Awka and Anaocha Local Government Areas. He noted that an average of three to five police officers were stationed at each polling unit, supported by personnel from sister agencies such as the NSCDC.
For the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Mrs. Justina Okurubonye, Deputy Director of the Department of Police Investigation and team leader, reported that officers on duty were professional, easily identifiable, and maintained effective control throughout the voting process across Orumba North, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, and Nnewi North Local Government Areas.
The PSC concluded that the overall performance of the Police during the Anambra Governorship Election was above average, reflecting improved operational discipline, coordination, and inter-agency collaboration.