The Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have assured residents of Ekiti State of adequate security for election materials, personnel and voters ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The assurance came as the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials commenced across the state’s 16 local government areas.
Speaking during the exercise at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said the process was being carried out transparently with the participation of political parties, civil society organisations and the media.
According to him, election materials are being sorted and distributed under strict security arrangements coordinated by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
Shogunle said police officers have been deployed to escort the materials from INEC offices to local government headquarters, where they will be secured before being moved to Registration Area Centres (RACs) and subsequently to polling units.
He added that security personnel would guard the materials throughout the distribution chain to ensure their safe delivery before voting begins on Saturday.
Addressing concerns about potential flashpoints, including Ilejemeje Local Government Area, the police commissioner said security agencies had developed a comprehensive plan based on intelligence reports and risk assessments.
“We have considered different inputs, including intelligence reports and risk assessments. Adequate measures have been put in place to address concerns in areas identified as flashpoints,” he said, noting that the security framework was designed to ensure a peaceful and violence-free election.
Earlier, Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the distribution process, describing it as smooth and orderly. He urged residents to participate peacefully in the election and vote for candidates of their choice.
“Ekiti has always been peaceful, and we assure the people that we are going to conduct a free, fair, transparent and inclusive election,” Omoseyindemi said.
