By Mercy Peter
No fewer than 22,239 police personnel will be deployed for the Ondo State Governorship election, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had said.
Residents of the state will be going to the poll on November 16 2024 to elect their governor.
A total of 2.053 million registered voters are ecpected to participate in the election.
Egbetokun made the disclosure at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Akure on Thursday.
The incubent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress and 16 other candidates are jostling for the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure.
The IG who was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 17, Abiodun Asabi, assured residents of a violence-free poll, stating that the police force will be fully prepared to prevent any breach of peace.
He said that 22,239 officers would be deployed to maintain security across the state before, during, and after the election.
The police boss also assured the gathering that the police would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“The success of a significant exercise like this election hinges on peace, order, and security. Any disruption can derail the integrity of the process. All stakeholders must approach this election with security-conscious methods, knowing that fair and orderly conduct will reduce security threats and enhance the election’s credibility,” he said.
The police, in conjunction with supporting security bodies, will work as a unified team to counter threats, providing watertight security at polling units and other public spaces within the state.
Egbetokun added, “Our responsibility is to protect voters, electoral officials, materials, and the general public. This will involve both covert and overt operations by the security agencies designated for election duties.”
