The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee adequate security before, during, and after the Ekiti State governorship election, assuring voters that comprehensive operational plans have been activated across the state.
Disu gave the assurance on Thursday during the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting and Signing of the Peace Accord held in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The event attracted key electoral and political stakeholders, including officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, members of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), political parties, governorship candidates, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, security agencies, as well as members of the diplomatic and observer community.
Speaking at the gathering, the IGP said the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, had concluded extensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and credible election across Ekiti State.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police boss assured residents that security personnel and operational assets had been strategically deployed across all parts of the state.
“The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to ensuring a peaceful, secure, free, and credible election across Ekiti State,” the statement said.
“He disclosed that comprehensive deployment plans and operational strategies have been concluded for all sixteen Local Government Areas, one hundred and fifty-four wards, and over two thousand four hundred polling units in the State, with personnel and operational assets strategically positioned to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, observers, and all participants in the electoral process.”
Disu stressed that the police and other security agencies would remain professional, neutral, and law-abiding throughout the election period.
“The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force will remain professional and impartial throughout the election period, while urging political stakeholders to uphold the Peace Accord and conduct their activities peacefully,” Placid stated.
The IGP also called on residents of Ekiti State to participate freely in the democratic process without fear or intimidation, assuring them of adequate security coverage before, during, and after the poll.
“He encouraged residents of Ekiti State to freely exercise their constitutional rights without fear, assuring them of adequate security before, during, and after the election,” the statement added.
Disu commended INEC and the National Peace Committee for sustaining initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful democratic participation and strengthening public trust in the electoral system.
He particularly praised former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), for his continued contributions to peace building, national unity, and democratic stability in the country.
“The IGP commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Peace Committee for sustaining initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful democratic participation and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process,” Placid said.
“He particularly acknowledged the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR (Rtd), for his continued commitment to peace, national unity, and democratic stability.”
The police boss further warned political actors against actions capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election, noting that security agencies would not tolerate electoral violence, vote-buying, intimidation, or any other act capable of threatening public order.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting democratic values and ensuring peaceful elections across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to the protection of democratic values, maintenance of public order, and peaceful conduct of elections across the country,” the statement added.
