The high deployment of security agencies in Nigeria, particularly during elections, is seen by the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room as a display of the country’s democratization deficit.
The group raised the alarm in response to the deployment of a high number of security agencies in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Anambra state.
According to a report by Core Truth, the group described deployment of 45,000 security operatives as clear manifestation of deficits within the democratization process.
Addressing newsmen in Awka, Election Expert Achike Chude also expressed concerns over lack of competitiveness demonstrated by several political parties participating in the election.
He however was optimistic security agencies’ presence would provide level-playing environment for parties, deter vote buying and selling, and uphold the sanctity of the election results.
He said, “We note the deployment of personnel by the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force with a contingent of 45,000 personnel.
“We note that this is a rather high number and while we acknowledge the need to secure the election, the number of deployment in this election is a clear manifestation of deficits within our democratization process..
26 years, not much improvement
“After 26 years of regular elections, it is expected that with each election cycle, there will be a draw down in the number of security personnel in elections.
“The presence circumstances, partly created by antics of desperate politicians, is unacceptable.
“The conduct of security personnel deployed for this election must be professional and not seen as intimidating to voters in any way.
“Situation Room expects that the presence of security agencies in Anambra State will provide a level-playing environment for all parties, deter vote buying and selling, and uphold the sanctity of the election results.
The group further called on Police and other security agencies to ensure active contact centres capable of responding effectively to reported issues especially in flashpoints that have been identified prior to now.
“Situation Room notes with some degree of satisfaction the relatively peaceful atmosphere in Anambra State. This is in contrast to the very tensed situation under which the last governorship election held in the State.
“Situation Room believes that the state of anomaly was partly due to incessant and deliberate acts of misinformation and disinformation that permeated the state at the time.
Positive Ambience
“Situation Room hopes that this positive ambience will help drive voters to the polls to exercise their democratic franchise tomorrow, Saturday, 8th November 2025 given that Anambra State continues to be among the states with the lowest rate of voter turnout.
While expressing concerns over lack of competitiveness demonstrated by several political parties participating in this election, the group argued that robust and healthy level of competition remained fundamental to a thriving democracy.
“When a political party indicates an intention to participate in an election and fields a candidate, it carries the inherent obligation to generate the requisite degree of electoral competitiveness.
“Political parties are obligated to deploy the full complement of accredited party agents for this election.
“Failure to ensure full coverage of polling units and collation centres by political parties will demonstrate a dereliction of fundamental duty to the democratic system.
“Such parties lose their moral compass to complain about irregularities.
Situation Room called on eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic duty tomorrow, Saturday, 8th November 2025, while avoiding selling their votes in the process.
While warning that votes’ selling remained illegal and undermine development of the State, the expressed hope that the governorship election would be a departure from previous elections fraud with irregularities.
Source/Core Truth
