• INEC Akure Office Under Tight Security Ahead of Ondo Governorship Election
• Police, NSCDC, Army on High Alert for Peaceful Election
• Security Chiefs Vow Neutrality, Warn Against Compromise
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, security agencies have intensified efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Akure, the state capital, is under tight security, with personnel stationed at strategic points and roadblocks mounted on major access roads.
Our correspondent observed a heavy presence of armed officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Army, and Department of State Services (DSS) around the INEC premises.
Some officers were seen with sniffer dogs patrolling the area, while individuals entering the facility were thoroughly searched and issued identification tags.
Massive Security Deployment
Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, disclosed that 43,157 personnel have been deployed across polling units, collation centers, and other critical locations in the state.
“Four (4) police officers will be stationed at each polling unit, meaning 15,732 conventional officers will cover the 3,933 polling units and voting points in Ondo State,” Egbetokun said. He added that this would be supported by 8,500 personnel from sister agencies, including the Armed Forces, Customs, Immigration, and Road Safety Corps.
“These deployments are to ensure the election is peaceful, credible, and secure,” Egbetokun emphasized.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South West, Sylvester Abiodun, highlighted additional tactical reinforcements, including operatives from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), and the Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD).
“A comprehensive threat analysis has been conducted across Ondo’s eight (8) Area Commands and 54 Divisional Headquarters to identify flashpoints and risks. This ensures proactive responses to any threats before, during, or after the election,” Abiodun noted.
He reiterated the force’s neutrality, stating, “We are committed to providing a level playing ground for all candidates, irrespective of their party affiliations. Security agencies will closely monitor the collation of results to prevent tampering or fraud.”
NSCDC Vows to Ensure Credibility
The Deputy Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ayuba Philips, assured residents of the agency’s readiness to maintain peace. Addressing journalists in Akure, Philips warned officers against unprofessional conduct.
“Any officer found compromising the election process will face immediate dismissal. We do not condone unprofessional behavior,” he stressed.
Philips called on voters not to fear the heavy security presence, saying, “We are here to protect you and ensure the election is peaceful, free, fair, and credible. Trust us to deliver nothing but the best.”
He further noted that additional NSCDC personnel from outside Ondo State had arrived to reinforce the security effort.
“Anybody planning to undermine this election should be prepared to face the full wrath of the law,” Philips concluded.
