In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive barring the Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, along with other vigilante groups, from participating in any security or law enforcement activities related to the election. This ban also applies to other similar groups such as the Vigilante Corps, marking a significant shift in the role these state-backed security outfits typically play during electoral processes in the region.
The decision has sparked a mix of reactions from various communities, with some expressing concerns over the potential impact on security and the ability of these local forces to help maintain peace during the election. These concerns have led to discussions on the role of state-backed security organizations in safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring a peaceful environment for voters.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday clarified that no quasi-security organization, including the state-backed Amotekun and Vigilante Corps, would be allowed to participate in the security arrangements for the upcoming election. This directive is part of a broader strategy to regulate election security in line with the guidelines outlined in Nigeria’s electoral law and the management protocols for elections at the national level.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun emphasized that the responsibility for maintaining security during the election rests exclusively with the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies. These agencies are tasked with ensuring the smooth conduct of the election in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which oversees coordination among security agencies during the election period. Egbetokun further clarified that this directive reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring an orderly, peaceful election process that adheres strictly to the country’s established electoral framework.
The IGP also issued a stern warning to individuals or groups who might attempt to disrupt the election through acts of violence or intimidation. He reiterated that any such actions would be met with the full force of the law, reinforcing the importance of law and order in the electoral process. His statement serves as a strong deterrent to political thuggery and election-related violence, with a clear message that those found responsible for disturbing the peace would face severe legal consequences. The IGP said, "The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”
As part of the ongoing preparations, the IGP assured the people of Ondo State that the police were fully prepared and committed to ensuring a peaceful and orderly election across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units within the state. Egbetokun noted that comprehensive plans had been made for the deployment of police personnel, resources, and modern technology to guarantee the safety of voters and the integrity of the election process.
The security measures include the strategic deployment of officers from various specialized units, such as the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), and the Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS). These specialized units will work in collaboration with other federal security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and smooth election proceedings. Furthermore, aerial patrols will be conducted by police helicopters, and gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure that security is maintained across all terrains during the election period. These combined efforts are designed to create a secure environment that will deter any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and ensure the overall stability and integrity of the election.
Egbetokun emphasized that the comprehensive security plan was a necessary measure to promote confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that it adheres to the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and order. He reassured the citizens of Ondo State that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal agencies, would remain vigilant and fully committed to delivering a peaceful, credible, and successful gubernatorial election, with no incidents or disruptions. The IGP concluded, “The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.”