In preparation for the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have jointly assured citizens that all voting materials will be securely transported and protected. The distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive items commenced across the state’s 16 local government areas on Thursday.
Speaking from the Central Bank of Nigeria facility in Ado Ekiti, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who oversees election security, emphasized the transparency of the operation. He noted that representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and the media were present to observe the process.
Shogunle explained that the materials are being sorted and dispatched under tight security. Police officers have been assigned to escort the consignments from INEC offices to local government headquarters, where they will remain under guard until further movement to Registration Area Centres and ultimately to polling units on election day.
Addressing potential security concerns in flashpoint areas such as Ilejemeje Local Government Area, the commissioner stated that intelligence reports and risk assessments have guided the deployment of adequate measures. The security strategy, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, is multi-layered to prevent any breach during the poll.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the distribution process, describing it as smooth and orderly. He called on residents to turn out en masse on election day and vote peacefully for their preferred candidates, reiterating INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive election.