Ahead of the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections, the Nigeria Police Force has taken significant steps to ensure a secure electoral process by deploying Commissioners of Police (CPs) to oversee security arrangements in all local government areas of the state.

The Force announced the reinforcement of its strategies to maintain law and order, emphasizing its commitment to a smooth and credible election.

In a statement, the Police reiterated its ban on specific activities during the elections, noting: The use of sirens, covered number plates, and unauthorized aides or escorts is strictly prohibited.

Local and unauthorised security outfits are warned to stay away from election activities, with violators facing severe consequences under the law.

Movement restrictions from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on election day remain in effect, and citizens are advised to plan accordingly.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for Elections, Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, has directed the immediate deployment of designated CPs to their respective local government areas.

The Force assured that adequate personnel have been assigned to polling units, with additional support through aerial patrols by helicopters and waterway patrols using gunboats to ensure comprehensive security coverage.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has also ordered the establishment of an Electoral Offences Desk, coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Ondo State CID, with support from senior officers of the FCID, Abuja.

The Desk is tasked with investigating and prosecuting electoral offenses as outlined in the Electoral Act, 2023 (as amended).

Citizens are urged to cooperate fully to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process. Key contact details for inquiries and incident reporting include:

DIG Elections: 08081775899

AIG Elections: 09085000029

CP Elections Control Room (headed by CP Tunji Disu): 07034313903

The Police reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the integrity of the elections, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere devoid of interference or manipulation.

“Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure that the elections are free, fair, and peaceful, safeguarding the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes,” the statement concluded.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Ondo State Elections, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, held a press briefing, at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters, Akure, where he addressed officers deployed for the Gubernatorial election duty and the members of the press, emphasizing the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies on the forthcoming 2024 Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections.
DIG Alabi during his address mentioned that the Force had begun effective deployments of personnel across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state, assuring the presence of at least four (4) Police Officers in collaboration with officers representing other election security agency, at each polling unit, to ensure a smooth poll.

In a bid to emplace proactive measures against all forms of security threat and interference during the electoral process, the DIG emphasized the importance of Intelligence gathering and firmness.
These approaches are essential for upholding safety and security, as they assist in identifying and preventing electoral fraud, including vote-buying and manipulation.

By leveraging intelligence gathering, the police can ensure a secure, free, and fair electoral process.
To this end, the Force has carried out a comprehensive threat analysis and as well, deployed adequate personnel to areas identified as vulnerable points during the elections.

The DIG further encouraged a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Police Force, other election security agencies and the electorates, reiterating the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order across the state with adequate contingency plans to respond appropriately to issues that may arise before, during and after the election.

Citizens are advised to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023 (as amended) and INEC guidelines, as well as all other extant laws of the land, as every electoral offender and troubleshooter would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.