The Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun and vigilante group, among others, have been banned from work in the Ondo State governorship election.
No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the election slated for November 16, 2024.
The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, gave the order on Sunday, adding that only the federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would participate in the election.
He said, “Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like vigilante corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.
“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“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.”
Egbetokun has also directed the deployment of officers from the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit, among others.
Adejobi said “These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.”
He said police helicopters would undertake aerial patrols and gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.
“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
Adejobi also said the IG vowed to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.
