Ekiti guber: Shogunle to oversee security operations

By Idowu Adebomi

Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Shogunle has been deployed by the Force headquarters to man security operations ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026

The deployment, announced by the Ekiti State Police Command on Wednesday, forms part of the operational security measures approved by the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate protection of voters, electoral officials and critical infrastructure before, during and after the election.

CP Shogunle, who resumed duty as Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti governorship election, immediately commenced the implementation of enhanced security strategies designed to prevent electoral violence and maintain law and order across the state.

According to the Command, the election security framework includes intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and neutralising threats such as political violence, thuggery, cult-related activities and the spread of misinformation capable of undermining the electoral process.

The Police Command also disclosed that robust arrangements have been put in place to secure the movement of electoral materials and personnel engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and election stakeholders.

As part of the security architecture for the election, a centralised operational framework has been established to coordinate rapid response and ensure seamless deployment of personnel under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

The Command stated that joint security teams would be stationed across polling units, collation centres and other designated election facilities to provide protection for voters, electoral officials, election observers, journalists and critical public assets throughout the state.

Speaking on the preparedness of the Police, CP Shogunle assured residents that adequate personnel had been strategically deployed to identified flashpoints to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

He further emphasised that officers assigned to election duties had been thoroughly briefed and would operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and neutrality.

The Commissioner of Police appealed to political actors, community leaders and residents of Ekiti State to support security agencies by conducting themselves peacefully and complying with electoral laws.

“The success of the election is a collective responsibility. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the poll,” he stated.

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

CP Shogunle is widely regarded as an experienced election security strategist. A fellow of the Security Institute, he previously coordinated security operations during the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, which was widely adjudged peaceful.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant, law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line, 08062335577.