Sylvia Agu, Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State, says 2,300 soldiers from three battalions of the Nigerian Army will be deployed for the 11 November governorship election in the state.
Agu, disclosed this on Thursday in Owerri, at a two-day media roundtable and engagement on the election.
The event was organised for journalists by the International Press Centre in collaboration with the European Union.
Agu said INEC received assurance from the new commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Usman Lawal, a brigadier-general when a delegation of the electoral commission visited him.
She said the visit was to ascertain their preparation for the governorship election in the state.
“Insecurity, no doubt, remains an issue. It is, however, a thing of joy that the commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, has promised to deploy enough security personnel to ensure a hitch-free election in the state,” she said.
“Indeed, he promised that over 2,300 soldiers will be deployed to the state, during the 11 November 2023 gubernatorial election,” she added.
Mrs Agu, admitted that the 2023 general elections were marred by irregularities and insecurity.
“I acknowledge that there were observable irregularities and security issues, during the last presidential, national and state assembly elections.
“I urge the Imo electorate to avail themselves of the forthcoming electoral opportunity, to exercise their franchise, without any fear of molestation by the non-state actors,” she assured.
