KEY POINTS
- INEC flagged 469 polling units in Ekiti as potential flashpoints ahead of Saturday’s poll.
- The commission shared the findings with security agencies for mass deployment in vulnerable areas.
- It warned that vote-buying, ballot snatching and other offences would attract arrest and prosecution.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has placed security agencies on high alert after identifying 469 polling units across Ekiti State as potential flashpoints ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. The commission said it classified the units as security-sensitive based on assessments of possible violence and disruptions.
A preventive security plan
Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the affected units could face electoral violence that might undermine the conduct of the poll. According to him, the classification forms part of the commission’s preventive measures to safeguard voters, election officials and electoral materials during the exercise.
Moreover, Amupitan said the commission had shared the findings with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. Consequently, the agencies have drawn up plans to deploy personnel in large numbers across the vulnerable areas, which he described as a deliberate effort to deter trouble before it starts.
A call for peace and vigilance
Furthermore, Amupitan urged the 14 participating political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the election. He warned that the commission would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the process.
In addition, he appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organizations to intensify voter education and encourage peaceful participation. According to him, broad community buy-in would help protect both the voters and the integrity of the vote.
Notably, the INEC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to a free, fair and credible election, stressing that it had put measures in place to guarantee voter safety. He also issued a firm warning to potential offenders. “Individuals or groups found engaging in vote-buying, ballot snatching or other electoral offences would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law,” he said.
Ultimately, Amupitan appealed to voters to stay calm and turn out en masse to exercise their civic rights without fear. By flagging the flashpoints early and coordinating with security agencies, the commission signaled that it wants to secure a smooth contest in a state where political tensions often run high ahead of governorship polls.
