The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Ondo State Elections, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, fdc, held a press briefing Thursday, 14th November 2024, at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters, Akure, where he addressed officers deployed for the election duty and the members of the press, emphasizing the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies on the forthcoming 2024 Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections.
The DIG, during his address, mentioned that the Force had begun effective deployments of personnel across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state, assuring the presence of at least four (4) Police Officers in collaboration with officers representing other election security agency, at each polling unit, to ensure a smooth poll.
In a bid to emplace proactive measures against all forms of security threat and interference during the electoral process, the DIG emphasized the importance of Intelligence gathering and firmness. These approaches are essential for upholding safety and security, as it assists in identifying and preventing electoral fraud, including vote-buying and manipulation.
By leveraging intelligence gathering, the Police can ensure a secure, free, and fair electoral process. To this end, the Force has carried out a comprehensive threat analysis and as well, deployed adequate personnel to areas identified as vulnerable points during the elections.
The DIG further encouraged a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Police Force, other election security agencies and the electorates, reiterating the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order across the state with adequate contingency plans to respond appropriately to issues that may arise before, during and after the election.
Citizens are advised to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, (as amended) and INEC guidelines, as well as all other extant laws of the land, as every electoral offender and troubles shooters would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.