Ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election, the police have issued a stern warning to politicians and voters: vote buying, thuggery, and electoral violence will not be tolerated.
Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, in charge of the election security, declared on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti that comprehensive security arrangements have been deployed to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
“Vote buying is a criminal act that undermines democratic values,” Shogunle warned during a media engagement organized by the International Press Centre (IPC).
460 Flashpoints Under Heavy Security
The police chief revealed that no fewer than 460 flashpoints have been identified and heavily reinforced with security operatives across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas.
“The operational order approved by the Inspector-General of Police is based on a multi-layered security framework,” Shogunle said. “With the security architecture on ground, I am confident the election will be violence-free.”
Security has also been strengthened at entry and exit points, particularly borders with Kogi and Kwara States. “We are monitoring everything coming in and going out of Ekiti State,” he added.
Movement Restrictions, Polling Unit Protection
Shogunle announced a restriction on vehicular movement on election day, advising voters to walk to polling units. Only those on essential duties will be exempted.
All 2,445 polling units and collation centres will be adequately protected, with election materials fully secured from state headquarters down to local government areas.
INEC Begins Material Distribution
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced distribution of sensitive election materials to the 16 LGAs. The exercise began around 1:25 a.m. Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Ado-Ekiti under tight police and NSCDC security.
Materials were dispatched first to councils farther from the capital, including Ilejemeje, Ayekire, Ido-Osi, Ijero, Ikole, Ekiti East, and Emure.
INEC Vows Credible Poll
Resident Electoral Commissioner Bunmi Omoseyindemi said the process was conducted transparently in the presence of political parties, election observers, media, and other stakeholders.
“We have commenced the distribution of sensitive materials for Saturday’s governorship election. The process is being carried out in a transparent manner,” he said.
Omoseyindemi urged voters to come out peacefully, assuring that INEC remains committed to a credible and fair election.
