The Nigeria Police Force has assured residents of Ekiti State of adequate security ahead of the governorship election, saying all necessary measures have been put in place to guarantee a peaceful, credible and violence-free poll across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation for Election Security, CP Abayomi Shogunle, gave the assurance during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, where he disclosed that sensitive and non-sensitive election materials had been safely deployed to all 16 local government areas of the state.
Shogunle said police officers had been deployed to guard the materials and would escort them from local government headquarters to Registration Area Centres (RACs) and subsequently to polling units. He added that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, approved a multi-layered security strategy for the election following extensive threat assessments across the state.
According to him, security operatives have already secured boundary communities, major roads and forests bordering neighbouring states to prevent criminal activities. He added that strategic camps had been established while specialised units, including counter-terrorism personnel and officers of the Special Intervention Squad, had been deployed to strengthen security.
The police commissioner disclosed that at least three police officers, supported by personnel from other security agencies, would be stationed at every polling unit. Additional security, he said, would also be provided for INEC officials, ad hoc staff, members of the National Youth Service Corps, election observers and journalists.
Shogunle urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reiterating the slogan, “If you see something, say something.” He also warned against vote buying, ballot snatching and other electoral offences, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and other relevant laws.
He further assured residents of the neutrality of the police throughout the election and encouraged eligible voters to come out and vote without fear. He noted that alternative transportation arrangements had been made to address possible weather-related challenges and clarified that restrictions on vehicular movement would not affect candidates sitting for scheduled examinations.
