Ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has assured stakeholders that the poll will be free from violence. The assurance came during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, the state capital, and organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 17, Mr. Abiodun Asabi, the IGP announced a robust deployment plan, involving a total of 22,239 officers and personnel. This massive deployment aims to ensure comprehensive security coverage before, during, and after the election, safeguarding the lives and property of voters and officials.
Egbetokun highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, order, and security, noting that any breach could jeopardize the election’s success. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to act responsibly, maintaining a security-conscious approach throughout the process.
“The success of the election hinges on peace and security,” Egbetokun stated. “All stakeholders must fulfill their roles fairly and orderly to minimize security threats, which will enhance the credibility of the exercise,” he added.
The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will work together to prevent any disturbances and ensure that the voting environment is safe for all participants. The IGP assured that a mix of covert and overt operations would be conducted to identify and address potential security threats swiftly.
The comprehensive security measures will focus on protecting voters, electoral officials, and materials across the state, aiming to deliver a smooth and credible election process. This coordinated effort involves not only the police but also additional manpower from sister security agencies, forming a formidable team to manage the security landscape effectively.
