By Adewole Kehinde
As the people of Anambra State go to the polls today, November 8, 2025, one thing is clear: the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has once again demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to ensuring that elections in Nigeria are not only free and fair but also peaceful and credible.
Since he assumed office, every election conducted under his watch has been largely crisis-free, thanks to the robust and strategic security arrangements put in place by the Nigeria Police Force.
From pre-election intelligence gathering to inter-agency collaboration, and from community policing to tactical deployments, the IGP’s approach has been one of foresight, professionalism, and patriotism.
Gone are the days when policemen were tools in the hands of desperate politicians, when ballot boxes were snatched under the protection of rogue officers, and when uniformed men aided in the manipulation of election results by thumbprinting ballot papers for their preferred candidates.
Those dark days are behind us. Under IGP Egbetokun, professionalism has taken centre stage in the Nigeria Police Force. Officers now understand that their loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, not to political actors.
Today’s Anambra Governorship election is another opportunity for the police to prove, once again, that a reformed and disciplined security architecture can guarantee the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
From intelligence-led deployment to the use of modern communication tools and coordination with sister agencies, all indications point to a crisis-free and credible poll.
There is no doubt that the IGP has set every motion in place for today’s election — security-wise. The Force headquarters has provided adequate manpower, logistics, and clear operational directives to ensure that no individual or group undermines the process.
The Police have also maintained neutrality and professionalism, ensuring that all political parties and candidates enjoy a level playing field.
As Anambra people head to the polls, I call on all eligible voters to cooperate with the security personnel on duty, obey all election regulations, and cast their votes freely without fear or intimidation. Democracy thrives when citizens and institutions play their respective roles responsibly.
The 2025 Anambra Governorship election will, no doubt, serve as another shining example of how effective leadership, professionalism, and integrity within the security sector can safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Under IGP Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force has become a true guardian of the ballot and a protector of the people’s will.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
