Ekiti Governorship Election: Police and INEC assure safe distribution of election materials and adequate security ahead of Saturday’s poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Ekiti State Police Command have confirmed that sensitive and non-sensitive election materials are being distributed securely across all 16 local government areas. The process began on Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in Ado Ekiti, with strict security measures in place to ensure transparency and safety. Stakeholders including political parties, civil society organisations, and the media were present to monitor the movement of materials, reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process.
Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who is in charge of election security, stated that the distribution is being coordinated by the Resident Electoral Commissioner and is proceeding smoothly. He emphasized that police officers are escorting the materials from the INEC office to local government headquarters, where they will be securely stored before being moved to Registration Area Centres and eventually to polling units on election day. Shogunle confirmed that security personnel are stationed at every stage of the logistics chain to prevent any tampering or theft, ensuring materials arrive intact and on time.
Addressing concerns about potential flashpoints, particularly in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Shogunle said intelligence reports and risk assessments have informed a multi-layered security strategy. This plan, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, includes surveillance, rapid response teams, and community engagement to deter violence and ensure a peaceful election. “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,” he said, adding that the goal is a free, fair, and violence-free election.
Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing distribution. “As you can see, everything is going smoothly,” he said during the event. He urged Ekiti residents to turn out in large numbers on election day to exercise their civic duty peacefully. Omoseyindemi reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive, and credible election, noting that Ekiti has a history of peaceful electoral processes.
Local government representatives were seen collecting materials from the distribution centre, indicating the logistical readiness for Saturday’s governorship election. The coordinated efforts between INEC and security agencies aim to build public trust and guarantee a smooth electoral process. As the state prepares for the vote, all stakeholders are working to ensure that every citizen can participate safely and freely. The successful distribution of election materials marks a critical step toward a credible and peaceful outcome in Ekiti.
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