The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, has called for robust collaboration with security agencies ahead of the June 20 Ondo South Senatorial by-election.
Agboke made the appeal during courtesy visits to heads of key security formations, including the State Security Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Akure, stressing that a credible electoral process depends heavily on inter-agency cooperation.
The by-election became necessary following the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The REC, recently deployed to Ondo as the 21st occupant of the office, described security agencies as indispensable stakeholders in the conduct of free and fair elections, noting that the commission could not succeed without their support.
According to him, agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigerian Army, National Orientation Agency, Federal Fire Service, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission all play critical roles in the electoral process.
He said the engagement was aimed at strengthening synergy and changing public perception that INEC operates in isolation.
“With the Ondo South by-election scheduled for June 20, we expect all security stakeholders to be fully prepared and on alert to ensure a smooth process,” Agboke said.
He assured residents of the senatorial district that the commission would provide a level playing field, insisting that the outcome of the election would reflect the will of the people.
Responding, the State Director of the Department of State Services, Samaila Sagiru, pledged the agency’s commitment to safeguarding electoral personnel and materials, as well as ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the poll.
He emphasised that collaboration among security agencies remained essential to deepening Nigeria’s democratic process.
Also speaking, the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ondo State, Charles Oyewole, commended the REC’s outreach, describing the election as a collective national responsibility.
Oyewole stressed that a secure environment was crucial for credible elections and warned against electoral malpractice, urging citizens to adhere strictly to the law.