The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and Vigilante Corps from participating in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election.
This decision aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process across the state’s 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units.
To guarantee a smooth election, the IG has deployed officers from specialized units, including:
– _Special Intervention Squad_
– _Police Mobile Force_
– _Counter-Terrorism Unit_
– _Special Protection Unit_
– _Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit_
– _K-9 Unit_
– _Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team_
– _Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force_
These units will work alongside other security agencies, adhering strictly to the Electoral Act’s guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and order ¹. Additionally, aerial patrols will be conducted using police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas.
The IG has issued a stern warning to political thugs and individuals planning to disrupt the elections, stating that they will face the full force of the law. Only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be permitted to participate in the election.
The Ondo governorship election is scheduled to take place on November 16, 2024, with 17 political parties participating. The police are committed to ensuring the election proceeds smoothly and with the highest standards of electoral integrity.
