The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have assured voters of adequate security and smooth logistics ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.
Distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials began on Thursday across the state’s 16 local government areas under tight security arrangements.
Speaking during the exercise at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner of Police overseeing election security, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said the process was being conducted transparently with representatives of political parties, civil society groups and the media in attendance.
According to him, security personnel have been deployed to escort election materials from INEC offices to local government headquarters and other designated centres before their final delivery to polling units.
“The process is being coordinated by the Resident Electoral Commissioner. We have representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and the media here to ensure transparency.
“What we are witnessing is the sorting and distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials to the 16 local government areas,” he said.
Shogunle added that intelligence reports and risk assessments had informed security planning, particularly in areas previously identified as potential flashpoints.
“We have considered different inputs, including intelligence reports and risk assessments. Adequate measures have been put in place to address concerns in areas identified as flashpoints. The security framework is multi-layered, meaning several measures have been deployed to ensure the election is peaceful, free and devoid of violence,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed confidence in the preparations, noting that the distribution exercise was progressing without issues.
“As you can see, everything is going smoothly,” the REC said.
He encouraged residents to participate peacefully in the election and exercise their democratic rights.
“Ekiti has always been peaceful, and we assure the people that we are going to conduct a free, fair, transparent and inclusive election,” he said.
