A video circulating online showed an officer being questioned by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State over his presence at the centre, leading to speculation that the military was attempting to influence the electoral process.
The Nigerian Army has explained the presence of its personnel at a collation centre in Awka South Local Government Area during last Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, following a viral social media footage that sparked controversy.
A video circulating online showed an officer being questioned by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State over his presence at the centre, leading to speculation that the military was attempting to influence the electoral process.
However, the Army dismissed the claims in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu, clarifying that the soldiers were responding to a distress call from National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members participating in the election.
According to the statement, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received a distress call around 8:20 p.m. from corps members and other Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff who said they were held hostage by suspected political thugs following the unexplained disappearance of the collation officer.
The statement added that the soldiers maintained professionalism and restraint despite the tension, rescuing the NYSC members and INEC officials and escorting them safely to the INEC office, where the collation process continued peacefully.
The 82 Division also noted the conduct of certain political actors during the incident and said it would engage with the Anambra State Government to ensure better understanding and cooperation in future operations.
According to Olabisi, “Despite the provocation and tension at the scene, Nigerian Army troops maintained utmost professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the corps members and INEC officials. The rescued personnel were subsequently escorted safely to the INEC office, where collation continued peacefully.
“The Nigerian Army’s intervention was purely a humanitarian and security response aimed at protecting lives and preserving the integrity of the electoral process. Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading and regrettable.
“Headquarters 82 Division further notes the conduct of certain political actors during the episode and will engage with the Anambra State Government to ensure mutual understanding and sustained cooperation in future operations.”
SaharaReporters on Sunday reported that some police officers involved in providing security during the Anambra State governorship election were shot by Nigerian Army personnel.
SaharaReporters had gathered that the army personnel were involved in an argument with the policemen at a checkpoint along Onisha Road on Sunday before opening fire on them.
“Happening now on our way coming back from Anambra State election, we had a misunderstanding with Army personnel at a military checkpoint.
“Before we know what was going on, they opened fire on us. One of us was shot directly on his chest with many other policemen injured,” a policeman told SaharaReporters.
“The issue has generated to riot as we are talking. We have as well called for backup.”
About 45,000 police personnel were deployed for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election won by the incumbent, Charles Soludo.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 99,445 votes.