Ahead of the upcoming Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has banned the participation of Amotekun and other vigilante groups in the electoral process. This decision is aimed at ensuring the security and integrity of the election.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also announced the deployment of 6,000 officers to enhance security across the state. According to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, these personnel will be drawn from Ondo State and neighbouring states including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta.
The NSCDC officers will be responsible for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, safeguarding officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and ensuring the safe distribution of election materials. The deployment will cover all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 polling units, including coastal areas in the state.
In addition to the NSCDC deployment, the IGP has also ensured the deployment of 15,500 ad hoc staff to support the electoral process. This comprehensive security arrangement includes specialized units such as the Special Female Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit.
Dr. Ahmed Audi emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency for election security, and called for professionalism and discipline from all officers involved. He also warned against acts of vandalism, destruction of public utilities, and election-related violence, urging parents to caution their children against being used by politicians for violent purposes.
The NSCDC and other security agencies are committed to protecting voters’ fundamental rights and ensuring a free, fair, and credible election. Any attempts to disrupt the election process will be met with swift action in accordance with the electoral law.
