As the vote counting begins in Ondo State, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has directed its officers to heighten security measures, particularly around collation centres, to prevent unauthorized movements and ensure a transparent electoral process. This directive is part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Ondo gubernatorial election.
Police Officers Directed to Enforce Strict Security at Collation Centres
Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Ondo State elections, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, has emphasized the need for vigilance among officers deployed for election security. He specifically instructed them to restrict any unauthorized movement in and out of collation centres to avoid disruptions.
According to Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Alabi conducted extensive inspections of polling units and collation centres immediately after voting ended. These inspections aimed to ensure that voting materials were properly secured and that the vote counting and collation processes were conducted with transparency.
“Officers are to implement strict safety protocols to prevent any potential disruptions or irregularities that could undermine the integrity of the elections,” Adejobi stated in a press release.
Commitment to a Free and Fair Election
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process. Adejobi noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured the public, especially residents of Ondo State, of comprehensive security throughout the election period and beyond.
Egbetokun encouraged the officers to remain professional and uphold the highest standards of conduct, emphasizing that adequate security measures are in place to protect the electoral process.
Early Start to Voting and Efficient Deployment of INEC Materials
The gubernatorial election in Ondo State officially kicked off at 8 am across 3,933 polling units. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensured early delivery of materials, with some locations receiving ballot papers and other essentials as early as 6 am.
INEC cleared a total of 18 candidates for the election, with the electorate set to choose their governor for the next four years. Among the top contenders are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate, Ajayi Agboola.
A Two-Horse Race for Ondo’s Top Seat
Political analysts have described the election as a close contest between two prominent candidates. Governor Aiyedatiwa, who took over after the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is running for re-election under the APC banner. On the other hand, Ajayi Agboola of the PDP, a former deputy governor, is seen as a strong challenger.
Interestingly, both candidates previously served as deputy governors under the late Akeredolu’s administration. Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in after Akeredolu’s death, is now seeking to retain his position as governor, while Agboola aims to unseat him.
Mixed Reactions from Top Candidates After Casting Their Votes
After casting their ballots, the two leading candidates expressed differing views on the conduct of the election. While one lauded the process as smooth and orderly, the other raised concerns about the fairness of the exercise. These contrasting assessments reflect the high stakes of the election and the intense competition between the major political parties.
Conclusion: Police and INEC Committed to Electoral Integrity
With a robust security framework in place, the Nigeria Police Force and INEC are working to ensure that the Ondo gubernatorial election is free, fair, and credible. The combined efforts of security agencies and electoral officials underscore a commitment to safeguarding democracy in the state.
As vote counting progresses, all eyes remain on Ondo State, where residents are hopeful for a peaceful outcome that reflects their electoral will.
