The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited the participation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, and other local vigilante groups in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024. The decision comes as 17 political parties prepare to contest the election.
In a statement on Sunday, the Force’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, outlined the extensive security arrangements, including the deployment of officers from various specialized units. These include the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit. Adejobi also confirmed that police helicopters would provide aerial patrols, while gunboats would secure the state’s waterways and riverine areas.
“As the Ondo State Gubernatorial 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,” Adejobi said.
He further detailed that “comprehensive plans” have been established to facilitate a secure election, involving the “strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment” to uphold transparency, order, and fairness.
The IG also issued a strict warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups intending to disrupt the election. “Those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished,” Adejobi stated, emphasizing that violators would face the full force of the law.
The IG reaffirmed that only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in election security. “No quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process,” Adejobi confirmed, stressing that the security of the election rests solely with the Nigeria Police Force and other federal agencies.
The Nigeria Police Force, in cooperation with other federal security bodies, remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and orderly election in Ondo State, promising strict adherence to electoral integrity and the guidelines outlined in the Electoral Act, 2022.
