Ekiti Gov Election: IGP Promises Adequate Security As Gov Oyebanji, Others Sign Peace Accord

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Mr. Olatunji Disu, has pledged that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies remain fully prepared to provide the necessary security for a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Ekiti State.

Disu also encouraged the people of Ekiti State to come out peacefully on election day and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.

He spoke yesterdayin Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during the signing of a peace accord by political parties organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) to secure the commitment of parties and their candidates to a peaceful and violence-free 2026 Ekiti State off-cycle governorship election.

Ekiti State governor and gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, and nine other political parties were present to sign the peace accord ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

The police boss stated that the signing of the Peace Accord was a strong reminder that elections should be contests of ideas and service, not conflict and division. He added that democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.

“As security agencies, we recognise the enormous responsibility placed upon us to support the conduct of a peaceful, credible, and transparent election. I therefore wish to assure all stakeholders that the Nigeria Police Force, working in close collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), has made adequate security arrangements to ensure a secure environment before, during, and after the election.

“Comprehensive deployment plans have been concluded for all the sixteen (16) Local Government Areas, one hundred and seventy-seven (177) wards, and over two thousand four hundred polling units across Ekiti State. Security personnel and operational assets will be strategically deployed to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, election observers, and all citizens participating in the democratic process.”

He maintained that the Nigeria Police Force would remain professional, impartial, and fully committed to the protection of democratic values throughout the electoral process.

“Our personnel have been adequately briefed on their responsibilities and rules of engagement and will discharge their duties with civility, firmness, and respect for the rights of all citizens,” he said.

Reaffirming the police’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti governorship election, Disu said:

“While security agencies will continue to play their part, peaceful elections also require the cooperation and sincerity of political actors, candidates, supporters, and indeed every stakeholder.

“I therefore urge all parties to uphold the spirit and letter of this Peace Accord by conducting their activities peacefully and placing the interest of democracy and the people above every other consideration.

“As we gather here today, may this accord not merely represent signatures on paper, but a genuine commitment to peace, political maturity, and democratic responsibility.”

The Chairman of the NPC, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by a member of the committee, Gen. Martin Agwai, said the team was in the state to broker peace among major political players ahead of the June 20 governorship election and to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

Agwai stressed the need to strengthen the electoral process to enable residents to benefit from the democratic system Nigeria truly desires.

The NPC Convener, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged the electorate to prioritise their lives rather than engage in violence, saying a peaceful election is what the country needs to sustain democracy.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, said the peace accord was a critical mechanism designed to ensure peaceful conduct by all parties during the election.

Amupitan said the accord was not a mere bureaucratic document but an essential framework for sustaining peace and stability before, during, and after the election. He charged political actors to make the election a model of democratic maturity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While reaffirming the electoral body’s commitment to credible and peaceful elections, he urged candidates to pass the message of peace to their supporters and political structures across the state.

“This is necessary for the safety of the streets as political parties and their supporters engage in campaigns and political activities. This document is not a mere bureaucratic document; it is essential for peace.

“As we hold the pen today to sign, I urge the candidates to pass the peace message down to their political structures. Let this election serve as a masterclass in democratic maturity. Let it be a good reflection of what we expect in the 2027 general elections.

“Democracy thrives when peace prevails. I urge the political parties to adhere to the principles of this peace accord. Let it be remembered for the spirit of unity,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the contestants, Governor Biodun Oyebanji pledged to coexist peacefully with other candidates to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.

“I stand to represent the people and government of Ekiti State in making a firm commitment to peace before, during, and after the 2026 governorship election.

“Our party has concluded a tour of the 16 local governments in Ekiti State, and it was violence-free.

“Ekiti State will be 30 years old on October 1 this year. This is the first time in the history of the state that an election is only a few days away and we still have this level of peace.

“So, I stand to reiterate and make a commitment that after signing this Peace Accord, and as the Chairman said, it is not the signing that is important but the character of those holding the pen, and I strongly believe in that.

“I also believe that fellow contestants will do everything possible to ensure that, if we truly want to serve the people, we cannot unleash violence before or after the election.

“So, I stand to make a commitment on behalf of the government I lead and other contestants that the election will be peaceful because it is only in an atmosphere of peace that you can truly serve the people.

“I commend the NPC for doing this, and I hope other stakeholders will also align themselves with the spirit and letter of the accord that has been signed.”