As Ondo State prepares to elect a new governor, a heavy security presence has been deployed across Akure, the state capital, and other towns to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Voters face a key choice between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Hon. Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Out of 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, 1,793,914 individuals who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are eligible to participate in the election. This marks a significant increase from the 1,478,460 eligible voters in the 2020 governorship election. The state registered 58,708 new voters, while 3,132 voters transferred their registration within Ondo, and 123 transferred theirs within and out of the state.
Sensitive election materials were distributed to local government areas under tight security, closely monitored by party agents to ensure transparency. Unlike previous elections, the run-up to this election has been relatively peaceful, with minimal reports of violence. The only major incident occurred in Idanre Local Government Area, where seven members of the PDP were hospitalized following an alleged attack by suspected political thugs.
To prevent violence and maintain order, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbedokun deployed 22,239 police officers across the state. The police will be supported by 8,500 personnel from various agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Abiodun Alabi emphasized the commitment of security forces to creating a level playing field for all candidates and providing a secure environment for voters. “We will ensure that all participants and other citizens comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2020 as amended,” Alabi stated. He assured that security would be provided for election officials and materials from their starting points to their respective destinations.
The police, he noted, are prepared to assist Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in their duties and to contain any crises that may arise before, during, or after the polls. Alabi also stressed that any individuals found violating electoral laws would be prosecuted.
