Police Reveal Plans to Tackle Vote Buying in Ekiti Election

The police have announced steps to stop voter inducement and vote buying during the Ekiti Governorship Election on Saturday.

The Coordinating Commissioner of Police for the election, Abayomi Shogunle, spoke at an event on Thursday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. He assured residents that there are enough security measures in place to ensure safe movement of election materials and a peaceful, free, and fair election on Saturday.

Mr Shogunle said, based on the Inspector-General of Police's orders, security officers have already been dispatched to escort both sensitive and non-sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the 16 local government areas in the state.

Addressing the issue of financial inducement during elections, he promised residents and stakeholders that security agencies are ready to act against vote buying and other election-related crimes during Saturday’s poll.

Mr Shogunle also said the police have started a wide-ranging voter education campaign on the Electoral Act 2026, focusing on financial inducement and vote trading.

The police chief mentioned that they are taking steps to inform citizens about the legal consequences of participating in such activities. "One of the steps we have taken is to enlighten voters on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which was recently signed into law," he said.

"The Act clearly outlines actions and omissions that are considered electoral offences, including vote buying and vote selling," he added.

He said the police have stepped up public awareness to help voters understand that financial inducement during elections is a crime punishable by law. "We have started informing citizens about these provisions. I also urge media members to use their platforms to educate the public. People need to know that if we see any vote buying or related electoral offences, we will not hesitate to enforce the law," he explained.

Mr Shogunle revealed that special training programs have been arranged for police officers assigned to election duties. This training will help them identify and quickly respond to electoral offences. "We started training the officers yesterday, and it is continuing today. The officers will brief personnel in various locations on what to watch for and how to handle situations involving electoral misconduct," he said.

The commissioner emphasized that security operatives will stay alert throughout the election process. They will take strong action against anyone who breaks the law. "Our mandate is clear. We will monitor developments closely. If we detect vote buying or any other electoral offence, we will carry out the law. This includes arresting offenders and ensuring they face justice," Mr Shogunle said.