By Nonye Okonkwo
The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction of both inter-state and intra-state vehicular movement on Saturday, November 8, 2025, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the state’s highly anticipated governorship election.
The directive, which was issued by the state’s Security Services Commanders, is a core part of the comprehensive security architecture put in place to safeguard voters, electoral materials, and personnel across the 21 Local Government Areas.
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The official statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the full scope and duration of the lockdown:
- Effective Time: The restriction takes effect from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day, Saturday, November 8, 2025.
- Scope: The ban applies to all roads within the state, including all major interstate highways that pass through Anambra.
- Vehicles Affected: The restriction covers all forms of motorized transportation, including:
- Private and Commercial Vehicles
- Trucks and Lorries
- Tricycles (Keke)
- Motorcycles (Okada)
- Shuttle Buses
The Police Command stated that the main objective of the total movement restriction is to:
Prevent Disruptions: Disrupt the movement of political thugs and criminal elements who may attempt to hijack sensitive materials, intimidate voters, or cause violence.
Safeguard Materials: Ensure the secure and timely deployment and retrieval of sensitive election materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.
Guarantee Free Voting: Create a calm, orderly, and peaceful atmosphere where every eligible voter can freely and safely exercise their franchise without fear or coercion.
While the restriction is total, essential personnel involved in the conduct of the election and emergency services have been granted specific exemptions:
| Category of Exemption | Requirement |
| INEC Officials | Must carry designated, valid INEC clearance tags. |
| Accredited Media/Journalists | Must carry valid accreditation tags issued by INEC or recognized media bodies. |
| Election Observers | Must carry valid, accredited observer clearance tags. |
| Medical Personnel | Must carry valid hospital/medical ID and be on essential duty. |
| Emergency Responders | Must carry valid ID and be responding to an emergency. |
| Essential Service Providers | Must carry valid ID and clearance. |
The police have strongly advised interstate travelers to seek alternative routes outside of Anambra State during the restricted period. Adequate security personnel have been deployed across the 21 LGAs to enforce the directive and maintain law and order.
The Police Command called on all residents and the electorate to remain law-abiding and cooperate fully with the security agencies, emphasizing that the measure is intended solely to guarantee a peaceful and credible election outcome.
