Dokubo-Asari explained that the government reached out to him through the Department of State Services (DSS) because IPOB, the Indigenous People of Biafra, had declared that elections would not take place.
He said, "General Muhammadu Buhari, in the middle of October 2021, approached me through the DSS and asked me if I had been able to, because IPOB had said there would be no election in Anambra State. And when IPOB said that, I countered them."
According to Dokubo-Asari, his intervention was critical in ensuring the voting process continued safely and that citizens could exercise their democratic rights.
He described how he and his team entered areas under the influence of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to prevent disruptions and violence.
Their presence on the ground helped protect voters and election officials, demonstrating the importance of local knowledge in tackling security threats.
Dokubo-Asari added that his efforts did not stop in Anambra. After stabilising the election environment there, he extended operations to other troubled regions, including Plateau, Niger, and Zamfara states, where armed groups posed ongoing threats.
He stressed that the commitment of local forces, familiar with the terrain and community dynamics, was essential in maintaining security and preventing further attacks.
His revelations shed light on the challenges of conducting elections in areas threatened by violence and the sacrifices required to ensure peace.
By sharing this experience, Dokubo-Asari highlighted the importance of coordinated action between government agencies and trusted local figures in addressing insecurity.
The former Niger Delta leader’s account provides insight into the strategies and risks involved in safeguarding elections in volatile regions, emphasising that proactive engagement on the ground is critical to counter armed threats and preserve democratic processes.
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