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Gubernatorial Election: Anambra Decides Tomorrow Amid Tension, Heavy Security.
Anambra State goes to the polls tomorrow to elect a new governor, but the atmosphere remains charged with tension, uncertainty, and anxiety over security, possible vote buying, and the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible exercise.
Much of the apprehension surrounds the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who faces his first major national test since assuming office.
Stakeholders and observers are closely watching whether he can outperform his predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure was marred by controversies involving the late delivery of materials, BVAS malfunction, logistics breakdowns, and delayed result uploads during the 2023 general elections.
Naija News reports that Amupitan has promised transparency, timely deployment, and renewed discipline in election management.
However, his credibility hinges on how efficiently INEC handles logistics, ensures neutrality, manages security agencies, and curbs widespread vote buying.
Tomorrow’s governorship poll, they say, will reveal whether INEC has made real improvements or remains trapped in entrenched inefficiencies.
2.8 Million Voters, 16 Candidates, Massive Security Presence
Sixteen candidates from various political parties will vie for the top seat, with 2.8 million registered voters expected to participate across 5,720 polling units.
To forestall violence, no fewer than 60,000 security operatives have been deployed. These include personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Defence.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election operations, Abayomi Shogunle, confirmed that the police alone deployed 45,000 officers, along with drones, helicopters, tactical teams, and intelligence units.
Shogunle said the deployment should not be interpreted as intimidation.
The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit.
“We assure the people of Anambra that the election will be free, fair, transparent and devoid of intimidation,” he stated.
The decision to bar the state-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, from participating in the exercise has generated mixed reactions.
Opposition parties accuse the state government of previously using the outfit to intimidate voters and influence outcomes, especially in rerun elections for the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha State Constituency seats, both won by APGA.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has warned security agencies against turning the state into a militarized zone.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and two human rights lawyers, Joy Igboeli and Chidimma Udegbunam, the group condemned what it termed “threats of fire and brimstone,” cautioning that such a posture may discourage voter turnout.
According to the organisation, the deployment of armoured tanks, explosives, and heavily armed personnel often creates a war-like environment.
The group said, “Security forces have often made voting environments hostile for vulnerable voters through militarisation and weaponization of civic spaces. These so-called shows of force frighten voters and undermine democratic participation.”
Intersociety urged the police and military to adopt intelligence-driven, discreet, and non-intimidating operations to restore public confidence.
The rights group also expressed deep concern over the continuing decline in voter turnout in Anambra elections:
46% in 1999
25% in 2013
21% in 2017
10.5% in 2021
With 2.82 million registered voters and 2.5 million PVC holders for tomorrow’s exercise, the group warned that another low turnout could further weaken electoral legitimacy.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, as well as a one-off welfare support of N10,000 in November 2026.
Speaking at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo on Friday, during the presentation of a merit award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and an endorsement of his second-term bid, Eno said pensioners deserved to rest well after their meritorious service to the state.
Eno said he was particularly impressed by the pensioners’ sense of gratitude and assured them that the state government, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
He said, “This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare.”
He urged them to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for people aged 65 and above, to enable them to enjoy quality healthcare.
Eno recalled that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, adding that N100bn had so far been paid from the accumulated N111bn owed since 2012. He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to states, saying this had enabled him to fulfil his promise to clear the gratuity arrears.
Eno called on the pensioners to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying this would ensure the continued availability of funds for the prompt payment of gratuities and pensions, as well as other welfare packages.
He also urged pensioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to vote for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Eno for what he described as his compassion and care for pensioners in the state.
Abumisi also praised Eno’s leadership and development efforts and urged pensioners across the state to support his second-term bid in 2027.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, thanked Eno for his leadership, saying his commitment to the welfare of elderly people and retired public servants was heartwarming.
“Governor Umo Eno is a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people. I urge pensioners to support his administration,” he said.
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, paving the way for the constitutional amendment bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the 28 approvals exceed the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which translates to 24 states. The National Assembly can therefore proceed with the next stage of the process towards presidential assent.
The bill was forwarded to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration, with October 15 initially set as the deadline for them to communicate their decisions. Ogunlana, however, said his office would continue to receive and verify reports from the assemblies ahead of the bill’s transmission to Tinubu.
The 28 states that have approved the proposed establishment of state police are listed below:
Adamawa
Delta
Edo
Kwara
Nasarawa
Ogun
Osun
Oyo
Plateau
Rivers
Taraba
Zamfara
Enugu
Anambra
Imo
Ekiti
Kebbi
Akwa Ibom
Bayelsa
Benue
Cross River
Abia
Yobe
Kaduna
Lagos
Kano
Sokoto
Ebonyi
A new political prediction has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a state-by-state electoral map showing the states former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are projected to win.
The prediction, published by Statecraft, outlines the expected performance of the three major political figures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the prediction, Tinubu is projected to win 15 states and the FCT, Atiku is expected to secure nine states, while Obi is tipped to emerge victorious in 12 states.
The map, which uses orange, blue and white colours to distinguish the three presidential contenders, provides a breakdown of the states each candidate is projected to win.
States Tinubu Is Projected to Win
According to the prediction, Tinubu is expected to win.
The FCT is also included in Tinubu’s projected victories.
States Atiku Abubakar Is Projected to Win
The former vice president is projected to win nine states.
States Peter Obi Is Projected to Win
Meanwhile, Obi is projected to secure 12 states.
The breakdown suggests a competitive presidential contest, with the three political figures projected to command support across different regions of the country.
Interestingly, the prediction places Tinubu ahead with 15 states and the FCT, followed by Obi with 12 states and Atiku with nine states.
However, it is important to note that the map represents Statecraft’s political prediction and not an official election result, an opinion poll or a declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The actual outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters when Nigerians head to the polls.
The prediction has also raised questions about the possible political realignments, regional voting patterns and factors that could shape the contest in 2027.
JUST IN: Nigerian Gov Approves 13th-Month Bonus
Full List: 28 States That Approved State Police
