…BVAS, other materials arrive LGs, PDP govs ask electorates to defend votes, EFCC warns vote-buyers
As the Ondo State’s governorship election is expected to take place on Saturday, security agencies have reinforced measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process, deploying extensive personnel and resources to maintain law and order across the state.
According to the Defence Headquarters, it has deployed troops to the border areas and flashpoints in a coordinated effort to support the Nigeria Police Force and ensure the smooth conduct of the election.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, stated that the deployment is meant to deter any interference with the voting process and keep troublemakers at bay.
Seventeen political parties are fielding candidates in the election but it is expected to be a straight contest between the incumbent Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress and Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Edward noted that troops would also assist in the transport of sensitive election materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“Troops are deployed in strength to assist the police in Ondo State for the off-cycle governorship election on November 16. The military presence is to provide security, enabling voters to cast their ballots without fear of harassment.
“Indeed, troops’ presence is to ensure the security of citizens, enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation while keeping mischief-makers at bay. The NAF is already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of INEC,” Edward stated.
A report by The Punch newspaper on Thursday, stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited Ondo to oversee final preparations and assess the readiness of military personnel.
Meeting with security agency leaders at the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, Musa praised the coordinated approach and urged the agencies to maintain professionalism, avoid misconduct, and support a smooth electoral process.
He also commended the armed forces for their exemplary role in previous elections, particularly the recent Edo governorship poll, and expressed confidence that similar results would be achieved in Ondo.
“President Bola Tinubu was impressed with the conduct of the army in the Edo State governorship election. An election should not be warfare. Your job is to provide security for the electoral umpire and residents of Ondo State,” Musa said.
The CDS urged INEC “not to allow last-minute errors such as late arrival of materials ruin the efforts so far put in place to ensure hitch-free election.”
Heads of other security agencies in attendance and as well INEC assured the CDS that all arrangements had been made towards ensuring a free and fair governorship election in the state.
In preparation for the poll, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed 22,239 officers to maintain security across the state before, during, and after the exercise.
The IG assured residents of a violence-free poll, stating that the police force would be fully prepared to prevent any breach of peace.
He also issued a restriction on all vehicular movement in the state from 6am to 6pm on Election Day.
Exceptions include essential services such as ambulances, media personnel, and fire services, while the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles was also prohibited.
To curb any VIP-related disruptions, Egbetokun banned security escorts from accompanying high-profile individuals to polling and collation centres.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sylvester Alabi has been tasked with overseeing police security for the election, supported by AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu, both of whom will focus on maintaining order and addressing any security threats.
The Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said, “As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on Election Day, with the exception of those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.
“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced.”
He assured that special consideration would be given to the elderly and people with disabilities, among others, on Election Day.
Adejobi said, “In preparation for the elections, the IGP deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the election, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP Elections, respectively.”
Adejobi urged the citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirmed the police commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections.
“The police will also be working with the military and other federal security agencies as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully. Reports of suspicious activities should be immediately reported to law enforcement,” he added.
DIG Alabi assured that the police and other agencies were ready for Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
Speaking at a briefing in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he gave an update on the readiness of the security agencies, Alabi disclosed that the police units would be supported by operatives from the Federal Criminal Investigative Department, Technical Intelligence Unit and the Intelligence Response Unit.
He stated, “Four police officers and additional personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Correction Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be on duty at each polling unit and voting point in the state.”
Alabi said the police had done a comprehensive threat analysis of the eight area commands and 54 divisional police headquarters under the state police command “to identify flash points and the attendant risks posed by individuals and groups before, during and after the election.”
The DIG assured of police resolve “to provide a level-playing ground for all contesting candidates irrespective of party affiliation or status, ensure a secured environment for a successful and peaceful conduct of elections throughout the state and provision of adequate security for election officials and materials from all take-off points to their respective destinations and vice versa.”
He stated that residents could be arrested on Election Day “for being in possession of any offensive weapon or wearing any dress or having any facial or other decorations calculated to intimidate voters, exhibiting, wearing or tendering any notice, symbol, photograph or party card referring to the election.”
Other offences, he said, include using any vehicle bearing the colour or symbol of a political party, loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being refused to vote, snatching or destroying any election materials, blaring siren and convening, holding or attending any public meetings during the election hours.
Meanwhile, INEC has distributed sensitive materials, including ballot papers to the 18 local government areas in the state in a move to ensure the timely arrival of electoral materials at the polling booths.
The materials were distributed on Thursday from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Akure under the supervision of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Representatives of political parties, security agencies, and other key stakeholders witnessed the exercise.
“We are committed to transparency and are making every effort to ensure the voting process is as smooth as possible,” Babalola stated.
She also emphasised the logistical preparations made for riverine and remote areas of Ondo.
The Navy is supporting the efforts by providing gunboats for transporting materials to difficult-to-reach locations, while alternate transport arrangements have been made for other challenging terrains.
The Chairman of the APC in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, along with the state Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Adesanya Olaoluwa, praised INEC’s efforts.
1,500 FRSC personnel
As part of election traffic control measures, the Federal Road Safety Corps announced the deployment of 1,500 personnel to enforce movement restrictions, and handle any emergencies during the poll.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, authorised the mobilisation, which included 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, and six ambulances.
The resources are positioned strategically throughout Ondo State to ensure the smooth flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic near polling units, the FRSC Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said in a statement on Thursday.
“As part of our support, the FRSC will play a pivotal role in enforcing restrictions on vehicular movement on Election Day, ensuring voters have unhindered access to polling locations,” he noted.
On its part, the Police Service Commission confirmed the deployment of monitors to oversee police conduct during the election.
The PSC chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.) emphasised the importance of professionalism and accountability, instructing officers to treat the public with respect while maintaining order at polling units.
“The role of the police is vital to the integrity of this election,” Argungu stated. “Our monitors will ensure that officers adhere to the code of conduct and provide a safe environment for voters.”
As the state prepares to elect a new governor, 2,053,061 registered voters will participate in the poll on Saturday, according to INEC.
The electoral commission also revealed that 189,661 new registrants have been added to the voter register, bringing the total number of registered voters in Nigeria to approximately 93.6 million from 93,469,008 recorded during the 2023 general election.
The new registered voters were added during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted in Edo and Ondo States.
In Edo State, 127,994 new voters were added, bringing the total number of registered voters in the state to 2,629,025. This represents a 4.9 per cent increase from the 2,501,081 recorded in the 2023 general election.
In Ondo State, 61,717 new voters were added, raising the total number of registered voters to 2,053,061, a three per cent increase from the 1,991,344 recorded in the previous election.
Giving the breakdown, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said, ‘’Edo State now has 2,629,025 registered voters. The new register marked a 4.9 per cent increase from the 2023 general election figure of 2,501,081.
“Among these, 1,370,061 are male, representing 52.11 per cent, while 1,258,964 are female, making up 47.89 per cent. Youths aged 18 to 35 accounted for 983,133 voters, which is 37.4 per cent.
“The middle-aged group, aged 36 to 49, comprised 914,806 individuals, collectively constituting 72.2 per cent of the registered voters; 868,764 students constitute the majority of voters or 33.05 per cent. Additionally, there are 4,199 Persons with Disability, representing 0.16 per cent of the voters in the state.
“The new register represents 4.9 per cent increase over the 2023 General Election figure of 2,501,081.’’
Ondo, he said, “now has 2,053,061 registered voters. The new register shows a 3.0 per cent increase over the 2023 general election figure of 1,991,344.
“Of these, 1,034,006 are male (50.36 per cent), and 1,018,964 are female (49.64 per cent). Youths aged 18 to 35 years make up 726,944 voters (35.41 per cent), while the middle-aged group consists of 721,982 individuals (35.17 per cent). Together, they represent 70.57 per cent of the registered voters in the state.
“In terms of occupation, 694,938 students constitute the majority of voters (33.85 per cent). There are 1,782 (0.09 per cent) PWDs.
“The new register represents a 3.0 per cent increase over the 2023 general election figure of 1,191,344.”
With the election drawing close, prominent PDP leaders have rallied behind their candidate, Agboola Ajayi, urging Ondo residents to vote decisively.
PDP govs
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde all publicly endorsed Ajayi, highlighting his experience and commitment to public service.
“Ajayi is the only candidate with a track record to advance the state’s interests,” Makinde stated, urging voters to stay vigilant and protect their votes to ensure a transparent outcome.
EFCC warns
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned vote buyers and sellers to stay away from the exercise or be ready to face the wrath of the law of caught.
EFCC’s warning came on the heels of reports of vote trading.
Speaking to The PUNCH in a telephone interview, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the commission’s operatives would not spare any politician or voter caught buying or selling votes.
Describing vote-buying and selling as financial crimes, Oyewale stated, “We will monitor the Ondo State governorship election as we usually do during every election. Of course, that is to be expected.
“We know what the law says about vote-buying. Vote-buying and vote-selling are financial crimes, and as we have been doing in previous elections, anyone caught doing that will face the wrath of the law.
“So, it has to be expected; whoever wants to buy or sell votes should steer clear from the election in Ondo State because the EFCC is watching them.”
On the claim that EFCC hardly prosecuted those caught in the act, he added, “That is not correct. If any arrest is made, we have our process. So, we will evoke the necessary section of our act to deal with that. We have always been doing it, we will always do it.”
Earlier, some residents who spoke with The PUNCH on Thursday, said it would be difficult to stop vote-buying at a time many people were finding it difficult to feed.
A resident of Akure North Local Government Area, who simply identified himself as Ojo, said they were expecting vote-buying from the major political parties.
Ojo explained that although some political parties had earlier distributed rice and fertilizers, voters were expecting money on Election Day.
“We are waiting for the politicians on Saturday. It is ‘Operation See and Buy.’ You vote and tactically show your ballot paper before you get paid.
“Let me be honest with you, there will be vote-buying. Nobody can stop it. We need money because the economy is not smiling. Many of the voters who will collect money to vote for a particular party or candidate will go for the highest bidder,” he said.
Another resident from one of the riverine areas, stated, “It doesn’t matter what anybody says, we know will win the governorship election. So, why will I not accept money to vote.”
However, a resident of Akure, Isiah, said he would not be induced by money or gifts during the poll.
“I have listened to some of the governorship candidates during their campaigns, and I know who I will vote for. My choice is not, and will never be based on collecting money or any other item.”
In response to accusations from the PDP regarding planned intimidation of their supporters, the Ondo Youths Coalition denied the claims, arguing that they were unfounded.
The allegation, raised by PDP’s Campaign Council chair, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, suggested that Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, might use federal agencies to influence the election.
However, OYC coordinator, Richard Bobade, refuted this, clarifying that agencies like the NIS and NCS had no role in electoral security.
“This allegation against Tunji-Ojo is not only reckless but also baseless. The IGP has deployed more than sufficient personnel, and we urge both the APC and PDP to respect the rules for a peaceful election,” Bobade stated.
Three candidates have withdrawn from the race to support the APC ahead of the election.
The candidates are Accord Party’s Dr Ajibola Falaye, National Rescue Movement’s Jenyo Ataunoko and the deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress Olaide Ibrahim.
Welcoming the defectors to the APC, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the move as a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties.
He said, “I didn’t call for this, but I am grateful that my colleagues in the race have voluntarily identified with my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC. There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC.”
Speaking at the governor’s office, the defected Accord Party candidate, Falaye, stated that their decision to back the governor for Saturday’s election was based on observations of his longstanding commitment to public service, tracing back to his time as the deputy governor.
“The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people. We see the infrastructural development that has taken place even within this short period.
“It is clear that the governor is actively working for the people. On Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”
