Ekiti poll: DIG Fayoade assures of robust security, charges officers on professionalism

DIG Fayoade tours Ekiti to assess security ahead of governorship election

Ahead of the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West geopolitical zone, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, mni, has assured residents of adequate security, declaring that the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process. The assurance came during a strategic visit to Ekiti State, where the DIG assessed security preparedness, engaged critical stakeholders and inspected the readiness of police personnel expected to play key roles during the election.

The visit, according to the police hierarchy, forms part of proactive measures aimed at strengthening election security, preventing potential threats and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to guarantee peace before, during and after the poll. As part of his engagements, DIG Fayoade paid a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, where discussions focused on security, public order and the role of traditional institutions in promoting peaceful elections.

Traditional institutions remain vital partners in our collective efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful environment. Their support is essential in mobilizing citizens towards peaceful conduct and providing useful information that can help security agencies prevent potential threats.

— DIG Adegoke Fayoade

DIG Fayoade commended the monarch for his leadership and contributions to peace and development in Ekiti State, noting that traditional institutions remain indispensable allies in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution and community policing. Responding, Oba Adejugbe expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to provide adequate protection throughout the election period, pledging continued support for law enforcement agencies and urging political actors, their supporters and residents to embrace peace and uphold democratic values.

DIG charges officers on neutrality and professionalism at command headquarters

Following the palace visit, the DIG proceeded to the Ekiti State Police Command Headquarters, where he inspected operational facilities and held a strategic lecture and interactive session with officers and men of the command. Addressing the personnel, DIG Fayoade emphasised the need for professionalism, neutrality, discipline and strict adherence to electoral security guidelines, charging officers to remain vigilant and impartial while carrying out their responsibilities.

The credibility of the electoral process depends significantly on the conduct of security personnel. Officers deployed for election duties must remain professional, neutral and committed to protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials while respecting the rights of all citizens.

— DIG Adegoke Fayoade

The DIG further stressed that intelligence-led policing, effective deployment strategies and close collaboration with other security agencies would be crucial to ensuring a peaceful election. He also underscored the importance of sustained engagement with communities and stakeholders to identify and neutralise security threats before they escalate. The interactive session that followed gave officers the opportunity to discuss operational challenges, seek clarification on election security protocols and exchange ideas on best practices for effective election policing, with discussions centred on improving operational efficiency, strengthening public confidence and ensuring seamless coordination among security agencies during the governorship election.

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 commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding Nigeria's democratic process. Observers noted that the engagement reflects the determination of the police leadership to leave no room for complacency as preparations intensify for the Ekiti governorship election. The visit ended with renewed assurances from security authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders to work collectively towards maintaining peace, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that residents exercise their civic responsibilities in a safe and secure environment.