Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has banned state-backed security outfits like the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) from participating in the election.
The IG emphasized that only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be responsible for ensuring security throughout the electoral process.
A statement from Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, highlighted the IG’s commitment to upholding strict guidelines for election security. He noted that the responsibility would rest solely on the Nigeria Police Force, which would coordinate with other federal agencies to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the polls.
The police deployment includes units such as the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, with specialized personnel conducting aerial patrols and securing waterways across the state.
The Inspector General also issued a stern warning against political thuggery, stating that any attempt to disrupt the election process would face severe legal consequences. He assured the public of the police force’s readiness to ensure a peaceful and transparent election in all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units of the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also made extensive preparations for the election. Over 15,500 ad hoc staff have been trained and are set to be deployed to various polling units. INEC disclosed that out of 2,053,061 registered voters in Ondo State, 1,757,205 collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and will be eligible to vote. The remaining 295,856 registered voters, who failed to collect their PVCs, will not participate in the election.
The ad hoc staff deployment will consist of a presiding officer and three assistant presiding officers at each of the 3,933 polling units, making up a total of 15,732 personnel. Supervisory presiding officers will oversee the activities at different polling locations to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. The training, which involved National Youth Service Corps members, ex-corps members, and final-year university students focused on adhering to the 2022 election guidelines to enhance the efficiency of polling operations.
INEC emphasized the use of its Results Viewing (IReV) portal for transparency, allowing voters to view election results. However, the commission clarified that this does not imply the transmission of results but is a platform for viewing only. This initiative aims to increase trust in the electoral process and ensure that the results reflect the voters’ will.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is also playing a vital role in the security arrangements, deploying 6,000 officers across the state. Dr. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of NSCDC, confirmed that personnel from neighbouring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, and Oyo, would support the operation to ensure a secure environment. The officers will be tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, assisting INEC officials, and ensuring the safe distribution of election materials.
The NSCDC’s deployment includes specialized units such as the Counter-Terrorism Unit, K-9 Unit, and Marine Unit, alongside the Intelligence and Investigation Department. These measures aim to prevent election-related violence, vandalism, and any form of disruption throughout the voting process. Dr. Audi also called on parents to advise their children against being used for violent activities by politicians, stressing the corps’ readiness to arrest and prosecute any individual attempting to jeopardize the election.
The comprehensive security measures set by federal security agencies, including strategic deployments and monitoring, underscore the commitment to a peaceful and credible election. With 17 political parties contesting the governorship, the focus remains on ensuring an orderly process that reflects the voters’ choice, in line with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
