As preparations intensify for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West geopolitical zone, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, has assured residents of adequate security measures to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and violence-free electoral process.
The assurance came during his strategic visit to Ekiti State, where he assessed security preparedness and engaged critical stakeholders ahead of the election.
As part of the visit, DIG Fayoade paid a courtesy call on the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, to discuss security arrangements and the role of traditional institutions in sustaining peace before, during, and after the election
The DIG emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and traditional rulers, describing monarchs as key partners in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and community policing.
He commended the Ewi’s contributions to peace and development in Ekiti State and noted that traditional institutions play a crucial role in mobilizing citizens towards peaceful conduct and supporting efforts to prevent security threats.
In his remarks, Oba Adejugbe expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to ensure a secure electoral environment and pledged continued support for law enforcement agencies. He also urged political actors, their supporters, and residents to embrace peace and uphold democratic values throughout the election period.
Following the palace visit, DIG Fayoade proceeded to the Ekiti State Police Command Headquarters, where he inspected operational readiness and held a strategic lecture and interactive session with officers and men of the command.
Addressing the personnel, the DIG stressed the need for professionalism, neutrality, discipline, and strict adherence to electoral security guidelines. He reminded officers that the credibility of the election would depend largely on the conduct of security personnel deployed for election duties.
He charged officers to remain vigilant and impartial while ensuring the protection of voters, electoral officials, and election materials. He also underscored the importance of intelligence-led policing, effective deployment strategies, and inter-agency collaboration in maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
DIG Fayoade further called for sustained engagement with communities and stakeholders to identify and address potential security threats before they escalate.
The interactive session afforded officers the opportunity to discuss operational challenges, seek clarification on election security protocols, and exchange ideas on improving efficiency and public confidence in the security architecture for the poll.
The visit forms part of a broader security assessment tour across the South-West aimed at evaluating operational readiness, boosting personnel morale, and reinforcing the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s democratic process.
The engagement concluded with renewed assurances from security authorities, traditional institutions, and community leaders to work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful atmosphere that will enable eligible voters in Ekiti State to freely exercise their democratic rights.
