Ondo Guber Poll: Police tighten security, deploy officers across 18 LGAs
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has ramped up security measures in Ondo State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, November 18, 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, the NPF confirmed the deployment of police officers across all 18 local government areas (LGAs), 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.
The police assured that a minimum of four officers would be stationed at each polling unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure a smooth and secure election.
This deployment is part of a larger effort to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and prevent any disruption during the polls.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Ondo elections, DIG Sylvester Alabi, held a press briefing at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters in Akure on Thursday.
He assured the public and election observers of the NPF’s preparedness for the election. “We are determined to prevent any form of threat and to ensure that all security risks are mitigated,” DIG Alabi said. He also emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering in preventing electoral fraud, such as vote-buying and manipulation.
The NPF’s statement outlined proactive security measures, including intelligence-based deployments to vulnerable areas identified during threat analysis.
The NPF is working with other agencies to ensure that the election is free, fair, and peaceful, and has contingency plans in place to respond to any challenges before, during, and after the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already begun distributing sensitive materials, including ballot papers, to all 18 LGAs.
READ ALSO: Ex-APC gubernatorial candidate donates 1,000 bags of fertilisers, rice to appreciate supporters
The distribution process was supervised by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, and was witnessed by representatives from political parties, security agencies, and other key stakeholders. Babalola assured that the materials would arrive at the polling units on time and emphasized that preparations for remote and riverine areas had been made to ensure logistical efficiency.
To further support election operations, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,500 personnel to oversee compliance with restrictions on vehicular movement and maintain order around polling units. The FRSC has also mobilized 25 patrol vehicles, 7 tow trucks, and 6 ambulances to address any emergencies that may arise during the election.
In a bid to allow citizens ample time to prepare for the election, the Ondo State Government has declared Friday, November 17, 2024, a work-free day. Government offices and schools across the state will remain closed, and citizens are encouraged to engage in peaceful participation in the electoral process.
The 2024 Ondo governorship election will see 17 political parties fielding candidates. The NPF and other security agencies are working diligently to ensure that the election process remains peaceful, transparent, and free of any interference. The public is urged to adhere to the Electoral Act of 2023 (as amended) and INEC’s guidelines, with stern warnings issued to those who may attempt to disrupt the process.
With the security arrangements in place, the NPF and INEC are confident that the election will proceed smoothly, ensuring the democratic rights of the people of Ondo State are upheld.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
 has ramped up security measures in){kind=link}