By Olumide Olusegun
As the November 16, 2024, Ondo State Governorship Election approaches, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive barring state-backed security outfits such as the Amotekun Corps and Vigilante Corps from participating in the election process.
This decision comes as part of efforts to ensure a smooth, free, and fair election.
In a statement released on Sunday by Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasised that only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security during the election.
The IGP also stressed the deployment of over 28,000 police personnel, with specialised units being dispatched to ensure comprehensive coverage across the state.
These units include the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Special Protection Unit, among others.
In addition, aerial patrols will be conducted using police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways to ensure security in all areas, including riverine zones.
Adejobi stated, “The IGP has assured the public of the police’s preparedness to guarantee a peaceful election across Ondo State, which includes 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units.
The deployment of these personnel and resources is a demonstration of our commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the election period.”
The police also warned political thugs and other individuals intending to disrupt the electoral process.
“Any act of violence or attempts to destabilise the election process will be met with the full force of the law,” Adejobi added.
Meanwhile, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has confirmed the deployment of 6,000 NSCDC officers to support security operations in Ondo State for the upcoming governorship election.
These officers will work alongside the police and other federal security agencies to ensure the election process remains peaceful.
Audi revealed that NSCDC personnel will be drawn from neighboring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, to provide additional support.
The personnel will be responsible for securing critical national assets and infrastructure, protecting INEC officials and election materials, and maintaining overall election security across the 18 local governments, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units.
He further assured that specialised units of the NSCDC, including the Counter-Terrorism Unit, K-9 Unit, and Marine Unit, would be deployed to handle various aspects of the election security, both on land and in coastal areas.
Audi emphasised the importance of collaboration between all security agencies to ensure a successful and violence-free election.
“Our personnel are fully prepared and committed to ensuring a secure election,” said Audi. “We will be on the ground to prevent political violence and thuggery before, during, and after the election. We urge all citizens to cooperate with security agencies and avoid being involved in any form of electoral violence.”
The NSCDC boss also warned parents and guardians to caution their children against being manipulated or used as instruments of violence by politicians during the election period.
Earlier, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, IGP Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 17,
Abiodun Asabi, reiterated the police’s commitment to working with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful election.
He stressed the need for all stakeholders to adhere to security-conscious practices throughout the electoral process.
“The success of this election depends on peace, order, and security,” Asabi noted.
“Any act of violence or disruption will undermine the integrity of the election. It is crucial that we all approach this election with respect for the law and order to ensure that it is credible and peaceful.”
As part of his comprehensive election security plan, the IGP has also warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters to refrain from any actions that could lead to violence, as the full weight of the law will be brought against anyone caught disrupting the process.
With security arrangements in place, authorities are hopeful that the Ondo governorship election will be conducted smoothly and peacefully, allowing voters to exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation.
