ADO EKITI, Ekiti State — The Nigeria Police Force has assured voters, electoral officials, and other stakeholders of robust security arrangements before, during, and after Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, with the deployment of senior officers and a multi-layered security framework across the state.
The Supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the Ekiti governorship election, Mustapha Fayoade, gave the assurance on Thursday evening in Ado Ekiti during an engagement with police officers and other security stakeholders . Fayoade said the police force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has put in place comprehensive security measures, including adequate deployment of personnel and logistics, to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process .
Fayoade is being assisted in the assignment by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr Olanrewaju Ogunlowo . The two senior officers were deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to oversee and coordinate security operations for the election .
The Supervising DIG urged security personnel deployed for the exercise to exhibit the highest level of professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their duties . He also stressed the importance of synergy, collaboration, and mutual support among security agencies participating in election security operations.
The Inspector-General of Police had earlier deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle to Ekiti State to serve as the election Commissioner of Police . Shogunle, who resumed duty on Wednesday, immediately strengthened the implementation of the IGP’s enforcement protocols, including intelligence mapping to neutralise political violence, anti-thuggery, and anti-cult-related activities .
Shogunle confirmed that security agencies have been deployed to escort both sensitive and non-sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria to the 16 local government areas of the state . He noted that the process was being conducted transparently with the participation of key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and the media .
Addressing concerns over security in identified flashpoints, Shogunle said adequate measures had been put in place based on intelligence reports and risk assessments conducted by various stakeholders . He disclosed that no fewer than 460 flashpoints across the 16 local government areas had been identified and heavily reinforced with security operatives .
Shogunle also vowed that security agencies would clamp down on vote buying, political thuggery, and other forms of electoral violence during Saturday’s poll . He warned that the Electoral Act 2026 clearly outlines actions that constitute electoral offences, and anyone caught violating the law would face arrest and prosecution .
The police have also commenced extensive voter enlightenment on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those relating to financial inducement and vote trading . Shogunle urged the media to use their platforms to educate the public on the legal consequences of engaging in such practices.
Security has been strengthened at entry and exit points into the state, particularly borders with Kogi and Kwara States . The police also announced a restriction of vehicular movement on election day, advising voters to walk to polling units while exempting only those on essential duties .
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the distribution process and urged residents to come out en masse on election day and vote for candidates of their choice in a peaceful atmosphere . “Ekiti has always been peaceful, and we assure the people that we are going to conduct a free, fair, transparent and inclusive election,” he said .
As the election approaches, the police have called on political actors, community leaders, and residents to cooperate fully with security agencies and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment . The command has urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency line: 08062335577 .
