As voters head to the polls across Ekiti State to elect their next governor, security agencies have intensified efforts to prevent electoral malpractice, warning that anyone caught violating election laws will face immediate consequences.
The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday issued a fresh warning against acts capable of undermining the credibility of the governorship election, including vote buying, voter inducement, ballot box snatching, intimidation and election-related violence.
According to the police, security personnel have been strategically positioned across the state to ensure that the electoral process remains peaceful and transparent.
The force emphasized that democracy can only thrive when elections are conducted freely and fairly, warning political actors and voters against engaging in activities that could compromise the integrity of the exercise.
The warning comes amid increased surveillance by law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies over concerns that desperate politicians and their supporters may attempt to influence the outcome of the election through illegal means.
In what appeared to be a show of determination to curb electoral misconduct, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were sighted at the polling unit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area.
Witnesses said the anti-graft officials arrived at Polling Unit 003, Ward 06, shortly after voting commenced and were observed monitoring activities within and around the polling centre.
The presence of the EFCC officials immediately attracted attention from voters and election observers, especially against the backdrop of recurring allegations of vote buying that have often trailed elections in parts of the country.
While the commission did not publicly state the reason for the deployment, observers believe it forms part of broader efforts to discourage electoral offences and reassure voters of a credible process.
Voting was reported to be progressing peacefully at the governor’s polling unit, where hundreds of registered voters are expected to cast their ballots.
There were no reports of arrests, disruptions or security breaches at the polling centre as of the time of filing this report.
Across the state, security agencies and election observers continued to closely monitor developments, maintaining vigilance against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji is seeking another term in office in an election being contested by candidates from several political parties across Ekiti State’s 16 local government areas.
Authorities have maintained that anyone found engaging in electoral offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law, insisting that the credibility of the election must be protected at all costs.