The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a three-day training program for security personnel involved in the upcoming off-cycle poll, with just a month to the Ondo State governorship election.
The participants include members of the state police command, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Nigerian Customs Service.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Akure, the state capital, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the commission and security agencies to ensure voter safety and the integrity of the electoral process.
“Off-cycle elections in Nigeria are inherently more challenging than general elections, as they allow political actors to concentrate their resources to manipulate the process.
Therefore, INEC and security agencies must enhance their collaboration to ensure that the votes of every voter count, and that the people of Ondo State choose their leaders through the ballot box,” Zuru said.
He added, “This training serves as an opportunity to further strengthen the synergy between INEC and security agencies, ensuring a peaceful environment for the deployment of electoral materials, personnel, and the safe movement of voters.”
Zuru also commended the security agencies for their continued efforts in protecting lives and property during elections.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Dr. Sa’ad Idris, emphasized the critical role security plays in safeguarding electoral personnel, locations, and processes.
Describing the security officers as the guardians of the democratic process, Idris noted that their expertise and professionalism are essential to maintaining peace, order, and fairness during the election.
He further explained that the training would equip security personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices needed to effectively perform their duties throughout the electoral process.
