IG of Police deploys CP to Ekiti for gubernatorial poll

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle to Ekiti State to oversee security arrangements for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The deployment was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ekiti State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.

According to the statement, the move forms part of “the policing operational strategic measures approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, aimed at providing adequate security and ensuring a peaceful and violence-free election in the state.”

Upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle immediately activated enhanced security protocols and strengthened coordination with sister security agencies and election stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The Command noted that the security strategy includes “intelligence mapping to neutralise political violence, anti-thuggery and anti-cult-related activities, counter-misinformation campaigns/initiatives, and robust planning for the secure movement of electoral materials and staff/persons engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

It added that a centralised operational framework has been established to coordinate rapid response during the election period.

As part of the arrangements, joint security deployments under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be used to secure polling units, collation centres, and other designated election facilities. The arrangement also covers voters, electoral personnel, observers, journalists, and critical infrastructure across the state.

The statement further disclosed that security personnel have been strategically positioned in identified flashpoints to prevent breaches of peace and ensure a smooth electoral process.

CP Shogunle also assured that officers deployed for the election have been properly briefed on professional conduct and will operate strictly within “the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.”

He appealed to stakeholders for cooperation, stating that “CP Shogunle calls on all political stakeholders, community leaders and the good people of Ekiti State to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the election.”

The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a credible electoral process.

It added that “Dr Shogunle, a fellow of the Security Institute, will apply his proven expertise in strategic security operations planning and election security management in ensuring a hitch-free election in Ekiti State.”

The statement also referenced his previous role in Anambra, noting that “As the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra State election, he led the election security operation for the peaceful November 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.”