Ekiti Poll: Police vow tight security, peaceful election

Security agencies have assured residents of Ekiti State that extensive measures have been put in place to guarantee a safe and orderly governorship election on Saturday.

The Supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the election, Mustapha Fayoade, gave the assurance during a meeting with police personnel and other security stakeholders in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

According to him, preparations have been completed to secure voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the electoral process.

Fayoade stated that “the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has put in place robust security arrangements, including adequate deployment of personnel and logistics”.

He urged officers assigned to election duties to conduct themselves professionally and uphold the law at all times.

The DIG said security operatives must “exhibit the highest level of professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their duties”.

He also emphasised the need for close cooperation among all agencies involved in election security, noting that teamwork would be essential to the success of the operation.

Appealing to political actors, voters and other stakeholders, Fayoade called for peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.

He urged them “to cooperate fully with security agencies, remain law-abiding and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment”.

Fayoade is working alongside Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr Olanrewaju Ogunlowo, in overseeing security operations for the governorship election.

Both senior officers were deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to coordinate security activities and ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.

Reaffirming the readiness of the police, the Supervising DIG said adequate arrangements had been made “to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and election materials before, during, and after the election”.

Earlier, the Ekiti State Election Commissioner of Police, Dr Abayomi Shogunle, who recently assumed office, said a comprehensive security framework had already been activated to ensure a smooth and hitch-free poll across the state.

The governorship election is expected to test the preparedness of security agencies as residents head to the polls to elect a new leader for the state.