Security has been heightened at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as the final results of the governorship election across the state’s 18 local government areas are awaited.
Police operatives were seen maintaining a strong presence at the INEC premises in Alagbaka, ensuring no breach of security as the counting of votes is set to begin.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, issued a directive to officers deployed for election security, emphasizing vigilance and strict monitoring of movements in and out of the collation centres.
The election, which concluded peacefully across the state, now enters the critical stage of collation and announcement of results. INEC officials have called for patience as they await final results from local government areas.
Shortly after the voting ended in the Sunshine State, Alabi “conducted a series of rigorous inspections of polling units and collation centres aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process,” Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said.
In the Saturday statement, Adejobi stated that Alabi’s action was “aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.”
“These inspections aim to guarantee that all voting materials are accounted for and that the counting and collation of votes are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.
“Officers are to place strict safety protocols to prevent any potential disruptions or irregularities that could compromise the integrity of the elections,” the statement read.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Force to “placing adequate security measures to ensure the electoral process is conducted free and fair.”