The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured voters, political parties and election observers of adequate security and professional policing ahead of the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election.
Speaking during the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting and signing of the Peace Accord in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the police chief said security agencies had completed operational plans to ensure a peaceful, free and credible poll across the state.
The meeting brought together officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the National Peace Committee, political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, diplomats and security agencies.
The Ekiti governorship election is being closely watched as another major test of Nigeria’s electoral system and security preparedness ahead of future nationwide polls.
Concerns over election violence, voter intimidation and political tensions have remained central issues in previous elections across parts of the country, making security assurances a key focus for voters and observers.
Mr Disu said the Nigeria Police Force, working alongside other agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), had mapped out detailed deployment strategies across all voting areas in the state.
According to him, security personnel and operational assets would be strategically deployed across the 16 local government areas, 154 wards and more than 2,400 polling units in Ekiti State.
“The Nigeria Police Force will remain professional and impartial throughout the election period,” the IGP said.
He also urged political actors to respect the Peace Accord and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The police chief praised the National Peace Committee for promoting peaceful democratic participation and helping strengthen public trust in elections.
He particularly acknowledged the role of former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, for what he described as continued contributions to national unity, democratic stability and conflict prevention.
The IGP encouraged residents of Ekiti State to exercise their voting rights peacefully, assuring them of protection before, during and after the election.
Election observers and civil society groups have repeatedly called for neutrality among security agencies during elections, warning that public trust depends heavily on fair conduct by law enforcement officers.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to protecting democratic institutions and maintaining public order during any election campaign in Nigeria.
Security agencies are also expected to continue stakeholder engagements and strategic deployments to prevent electoral violence and ensure voter confidence.
