As the Ondo State governorship election nears its conclusion, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sylvester Alabi has embarked on a comprehensive inspection of polling units and collation centres.

This proactive measure is aimed at maintaining the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.

According to a press release by the Nigeria Police Force, the tour focused on ensuring that voting materials remained intact and accounted for while votes were counted and collated in a fair and orderly manner.

The release, titled “Ondo Elections: DIG Elections Inspects Polling Units, Collation Centres, As Polls Wind Down,” emphasised the importance of vigilance, particularly at collation centres. Officers were instructed to restrict unauthorised movements and enforce strict safety protocols to prevent disruptions.

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“The DIG further charged the officers deployed for election security to ensure a constant state of vigilance, restricting any unauthorised movement of persons in and out of the collation centres. Officers are to emplace strict safety protocols to prevent any potential disruptions or irregularities that could compromise the integrity of the elections,” the statement read.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, also reassured Ondo residents of the Force’s commitment to ensuring both the security of the electoral process and the safety of the state post-election.

“The Force is dedicated to providing top-tier security, ensuring not only the sanctity of the ongoing electoral process but also the safety of the state after the polls,” the IGP said.

In a call for collaboration, the Force urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies to uphold a peaceful atmosphere, reinforcing Ondo State’s democratic values.

The election, widely watched for its implications on national politics, continues to progress under tight security, with assurances from authorities for a credible and peaceful conclusion.

During the Ondo State governorship election on Saturday, the state Police Command intensified efforts to enforce the election day movement restriction.

This led to the seizure of numerous motorcycles and vehicles from individuals who violated the directive.

The operation, which was conducted across the state, focused particularly on Akure, the state capital. Offenders were apprehended at checkpoints, including a significant interception along Oyemekun Road near ‘A’ Division in Akure, where armed police officers dismissed excuses from violators.

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One of the affected individuals, identified as Dejo, narrated his experience to our correspondence. He said, “My motorcycle has been impounded in the last four hours. I came from Igoba to vote at Champion Junction. I showed them my voter’s card, yet the police wouldn’t allow me to go on my motorcycle. More than 60 motorcycles and 10 vehicles are being impounded here. You can count them. Help me beg them.”

Reacting to the situation, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, explained that the action was necessary to maintain peace during the election.

“Those people you observed contravened the restriction order, and the right thing was done by the operatives that impounded those vehicles and motorcycles. The restriction was announced earlier. It will only be for the period of restriction,” she stated.

This enforcement measure underscores the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to ensuring a peaceful election process, despite concerns raised by affected individuals.

In Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, voters at Majokolasan Unit 001, Ward 4, experienced delays due to the sluggish performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Community Engagement, Andrew Ogunsakin, attributed the issue to poor network coverage in the area.

Ogunsakin, who cast his vote at the unit, noted that despite the challenges posed by the slow BVAS system, the election process had been smooth. He commended voters for their patience and turnout.

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He said, “The BVAS has been very slow in my unit due to poor network. Despite this, the voting has gone on without any ugly incidents, and I commend the voters for their maturity. Voting started by 8am, and hopefully, it will end by 2pm. The APC is doing well here, and my party is sure to win the election.”

The turnout of voters was lauded, with many residents coming out in significant numbers to exercise their civic rights.

This election marks another milestone in the Ondo State democratic process, showcasing voter resilience despite technical hitches. Election observers and stakeholders have called for improvements in BVAS operations to ensure smoother processes in future elections.