Ekiti election security tightens as police deploy operatives to 460 flashpoints, warn against vote buying, and secure all polling units.
As Ekiti State prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, security agencies have intensified efforts to prevent violence, curb vote buying, and ensure a peaceful voting process across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Abayomi Shogunle, disclosed that a robust security framework has been activated ahead of the crucial poll, with personnel strategically deployed across all 16 local government areas.
Speaking during a media engagement organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Shogunle said security agencies would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
According to him, intelligence reports and security assessments conducted in the weeks leading to the election identified about 460 flashpoints across the state. He said additional security personnel have been stationed in those locations to prevent disturbances and maintain public order.
The police commissioner stressed that vote buying remains one of the major threats to free and fair elections, warning politicians, party agents, and voters against engaging in the illegal practice.
He described vote buying as a criminal offence that weakens democratic institutions and deprives citizens of the opportunity to make independent electoral choices.
“Security agencies are fully prepared to deal with anyone found violating electoral laws. Our objective is to ensure that voters exercise their rights in a peaceful and secure environment,” he said.
Shogunle explained that the security operation was designed under an operational order approved by the Inspector-General of Police and incorporates intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency collaboration, and rapid response mechanisms.
He noted that security planning for the election involved consultations with community leaders, political stakeholders, civil society groups, and election monitors to identify potential threats and address them proactively.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the extensive deployment would help deter criminal activities and guarantee a peaceful atmosphere throughout the election period.
In addition to securing identified flashpoints, authorities have strengthened surveillance around the state’s borders to prevent the movement of suspected political thugs and other criminal elements.
Shogunle revealed that security personnel have been deployed along key routes linking Ekiti with neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states. According to him, security operatives are closely monitoring movements into and out of the state as part of efforts to safeguard the electoral process.
The police chief also announced restrictions on vehicular movement during the election, urging residents to comply with the directive.
He advised voters to walk to their polling units where possible, noting that only individuals on essential duties, including election officials, emergency responders, healthcare workers, and accredited security personnel, would be exempted from the restriction.
Election observers have often identified movement restrictions as a key strategy for reducing electoral violence and limiting opportunities for coordinated disruptions on election day.
Meanwhile, the police have assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of maximum protection for election materials throughout the distribution chain.
Shogunle disclosed that officers have already commenced escorting sensitive and non-sensitive materials from the state headquarters to local government offices and would continue providing security until the materials reach registration area centres and polling units.
He further stated that all 2,445 polling units and collation centres across Ekiti State would be adequately secured throughout the election.
“We have made sufficient arrangements to protect election officials, voters, election materials, and collation centres. Every polling unit will have security presence to ensure the process runs smoothly,” he said.
The assurance comes amid growing public interest in the governorship contest, which is expected to attract significant voter participation across the state.
Political analysts believe the election will serve as another test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the ability of security agencies to provide a safe environment for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities while avoiding actions that could trigger tension or unrest.
As final preparations continue, security agencies maintain that they are fully equipped to respond to any threat and preserve law and order before, during, and after the election.
With hundreds of security personnel deployed, border surveillance intensified, and electoral flashpoints placed under close watch, authorities say all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the Ekiti governorship election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner.
Stakeholders are now looking forward to a smooth exercise that reflects the will of the electorate and strengthens confidence in the country’s democratic process.
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