The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as well as the Vigilante Corps and other similar groups, from participating in the upcoming Ondo governorship election on November 16, 2024. Seventeen political parties are set to contest in the poll, and the ban aims to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.
In a statement released on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, detailed comprehensive security measures that have been put in place for the election. The Inspector General ordered the deployment of officers from specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, and more. These measures will include aerial patrols using police helicopters and gunboat patrols along the state’s waterways to maintain security.
Speaking on the security arrangements, Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.”
He continued, “Comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.”
Adejobi highlighted the collaboration between various federal security agencies and stressed their adherence to the Electoral Act of 2022.
“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order,” he added.
To prevent disruptions, Adejobi conveyed a stern warning from the IGP to political thugs and anyone with plans to incite violence during the election period.
“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”
The police emphasized that only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to provide security during the election.
Adejobi reiterated, “No quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like the Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.”
Concluding, Adejobi assured residents of Ondo State of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and its partners to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and incident-free election.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in line with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”