Police Warn Against Unofficial Results as Ekiti Election Situation Room Highlights Flashpoints

By Dayo Johnson & Rotimi Ojomoyela — Ado Ekiti

With less than 24 hours remaining before the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, the State Police Command has cautioned the public against announcing unofficial results. Police officials warned that anyone who disseminates false or unauthorized outcomes will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The police emphasized that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the constitutional authority to declare election results. They added that security agencies will not tolerate attempts to undermine the electoral process through the spread of misinformation.

Commissioner of Police for the Ekiti Gubernatorial Election, Abayomi Shogunle, said the Electoral Act 2022 explicitly defines offences related to elections, including the unauthorized announcement of results.

Shogunle added that police will actively monitor the information space and target individuals who circulate fabricated results that could cause confusion or incite unrest.

“The Electoral Act is very clear on certain conduct that constitutes electoral offences. One of them is announcing unofficial election results,” he said. “It is INEC that has the statutory power to declare election results, and it is only what INEC declares that everyone should disseminate.”

He also noted that police will use technology to track such activities, but did not disclose the specific tools to prevent circumvention.

Regarding ballot‑box security, Shogunle said the command has implemented measures to deter and apprehend anyone attempting to snatch or destroy ballot boxes. “One of these measures is the restriction of vehicular movement,” he explained. “Except for exempted categories of persons already announced, no one will be allowed to move around with vehicles, motorcycles or any mechanically propelled means of transportation on election day.”

“We are also deploying police personnel to strategic locations because anyone intending to cause trouble must come from somewhere and move towards the polling units where such acts may occur,” he added. “Likewise, after committing such acts, they would need to leave for another location. We have therefore put measures in place at strategic points to prevent such incidents.”

*** Situation room raises security, vote‑buying concerns

In a separate development, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room highlighted security threats and vote trading ahead of Saturday’s poll. The coalition of more than 70 civil‑society organisations urged security agencies, electoral officials and political actors to ensure a peaceful and credible election. The statement, issued in Ado‑Ekiti and jointly signed by Co‑Conveners Celestine Odo and Mma Odi, noted that the state remained largely calm but identified certain LGAs as potential flashpoints.

Ado‑Ekiti LGA was flagged as the highest‑risk area due to the concentration of political actors and election‑related activities. The group also cited political tensions and signs of voter apathy in Ikole LGA, while voter intimidation was highlighted as a major concern in Moba LGA.

The Situation Room expressed concern over the persistent challenge of vote trading, describing it as a growing threat to electoral integrity in Ekiti and across the country. According to the coalition, insecurity and fears of possible spillover violence from neighbouring Kogi State pose significant risks in Ilejemeje LGA. Ikere‑Ekiti and Irepodun/Ifelodun LGAs were classified as secondary flashpoints due to misinformation and rising political tensions.

“Situation Room will observe the security environment and its impact on voter participation,” the statement read. “Citizens should be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, violence or harassment.”

The group urged INEC to ensure timely deployment of personnel and materials, while calling on the Police and EFCC to proactively prevent, detect and prosecute electoral offenders. It also charged political parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and respect the rule of law.

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