Ekiti Gov Election: IGP Promises Adequate Security As Gov Oyebanji, Others Sign Peace Accord
The inspector-general of police (IGP), Mr. Olatunji Disu, has pledged that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies remain fully prepared to provide the necessary security for a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Ekiti State.
Disu also encouraged the people of Ekiti State to come out peacefully on election day and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
He spoke yesterdayin Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during the signing of a peace accord by political parties organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) to secure the commitment of parties and their candidates to a peaceful and violence-free 2026 Ekiti State off-cycle governorship election.
Ekiti State governor and gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, and nine other political parties were present to sign the peace accord ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The police boss stated that the signing of the Peace Accord was a strong reminder that elections should be contests of ideas and service, not conflict and division. He added that democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.
“As security agencies, we recognise the enormous responsibility placed upon us to support the conduct of a peaceful, credible, and transparent election. I therefore wish to assure all stakeholders that the Nigeria Police Force, working in close collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), has made adequate security arrangements to ensure a secure environment before, during, and after the election.
“Comprehensive deployment plans have been concluded for all the sixteen (16) Local Government Areas, one hundred and seventy-seven (177) wards, and over two thousand four hundred polling units across Ekiti State. Security personnel and operational assets will be strategically deployed to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers, and all citizens participating in the democratic process.”
He maintained that the Nigeria Police Force would remain professional, impartial, and fully committed to the protection of democratic values throughout the electoral process.
“Our personnel have been adequately briefed on their responsibilities and rules of engagement and will discharge their duties with civility, firmness, and respect for the rights of all citizens,” he said.
Reaffirming the police’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti governorship election, Disu said:
“While security agencies will continue to play their part, peaceful elections also require the cooperation and sincerity of political actors, candidates, supporters, and indeed every stakeholder.
