The police have announced a comprehensive multi-layered security strategy to safeguard voters during Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State, aiming to boost voter turnout. Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Abayomi Shogunle, made this known on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while addressing journalists. He urged registered voters to come out in large numbers, assuring them of their safety.
Police Assurance to Voters
“I want to encourage registered voters. They should come out and vote tomorrow. Nothing will happen to them. We are calling on registered voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully,” Shogunle said. He also called on the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency or via the police emergency line at 08062335577.
Deployment of Security Personnel
According to Shogunle, officers are already on the ground to ensure a hitch-free exercise. “Police escort or police armed guard will also remain with those materials, as well as the INEC staff and the ad hoc staff. And very early tomorrow morning, those materials will be distributed under police escort to all the polling units in Ekiti,” he explained. He added that distribution would begin early to enable all polling units to be set up by 6:37 a.m., with voting scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. as stipulated.
Operational Plan Approved by IGP
The police commissioner stated that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved a plan to restrain any attempt to disrupt or compromise the election. Describing it as a “multi-layered security approach,” Shogunle warned trouble-makers to stay away on election day or face the law. “If voting is to start now, we are fully prepared. Everything that needs to be done has been done,” he said.
Confidence in Security Agencies
Shogunle noted that engagements with civil society organizations have shown a high level of confidence in security agencies among citizens. “There is a high level of confidence in security agencies among citizens and residents of Ekiti State. And also, our police officers, we just completed the training for police officers that will be taking part in this election, and they have gone back to sensitise others,” he added.
Legal Framework Guiding Police Actions
He emphasized that two key documents will guide police actions: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended). “So those are the two important documents that will guide police actions and response to issues pertaining to this election,” Shogunle said, assuring that the police would remain neutral.
Movement Restrictions Imposed
Meanwhile, the police have imposed movement restrictions during Saturday's election. Ekiti State Police Spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, announced the restriction order on Friday. He said the restriction would take effect from midnight (12:00 a.m.) to 6:00 p.m. and cover both intra-state and inter-state roads within Ekiti.
