Ekiti Gubernatorial Election: Police and INEC Commit to Secure Distribution of Election Materials

Ekiti Governorship Poll: Police, INEC assure Safe Distribution of Election Materials, Adequate Security

The police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have assured that election materials and personnel will be adequately protected ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

They made the statement as the distribution of both sensitive and non‑sensitive materials began across the 16 local government areas.

During the movement of election materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said the process was being carried out transparently with the participation of key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations and the media.

According to him, the materials are being sorted and distributed to all local government areas under strict security arrangements.

“The process is being coordinated by the Resident Electoral Commissioner. We have representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and the media here to ensure transparency,” he said.

“What we are witnessing is the sorting and distribution of both sensitive and non‑sensitive materials to the 16 local government areas,” he added.

Shogunle disclosed that police officers had been deployed to escort the materials from the INEC office to local government headquarters, where they would be secured pending further movement to Registration Area Centres (RACs) and subsequently to polling units on election day.

He explained that security personnel would guard the materials at every stage of the distribution process to ensure they arrive safely at designated polling units before voting commences on Saturday.

Addressing concerns over security in identified flashpoints, including Ilejemeje Local Government Area, the police commissioner said adequate measures had been put in place based on intelligence reports and risk assessments conducted by various stakeholders.

He noted that the election security plan was built on a multi‑layered framework approved by the Inspector‑General of Police, aimed at preventing any security breach during the poll.

“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. The security framework is multi‑layered, meaning several measures have been deployed to ensure the election is peaceful, free and devoid of violence,” Shogunle stated.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the distribution process, describing it as smooth and orderly.

“As you can see, everything is going smoothly,” the REC said.

He urged residents of the state to come out en masse on election day and vote for candidates of their choice in a peaceful atmosphere.

“Ekiti has always been peaceful, and we assure the people that we are going to conduct a free, fair, transparent and inclusive election,” he said.

Local government representatives were seen convening the materials from the distribution centre.