Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have described the ongoing governorship election in Ekiti as peaceful.

During a visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Teller Adeniran, shortly after monitoring the exercise, the acting Deputy Commandant-General of NSCDC, Haruna Muhammad, said that voter turnout was impressive and without chaos.

“This is a sign that people are enthusiastic to vote. We have received reports from other local government areas, and it has been positive, as voting is going on simultaneously,” he said.

Mr Muhammad said that the corps would continue to work closely with INEC and other sister agencies to ensure a hitch-free election process.

“The election is more like an isolated one. So, we don’t want to give room for violence,” he said, adding that the corps had deployed intelligence officers to possible flash points for effective intelligence gathering.

“We are prepared to protect national assets, and we have reserved personnel in case of any emergency.

“When the poll closes, the men on ground are to be used throughout the night, while those working now will rest and be redeployed to their positions,” he said.

Responding, Mr Adeniran said that INEC officials were deployed in real-time while polling booths opened early.

“The major aim and determination of the commission is to have an open poll. We had created new units and migrated some names from some polling units. They had their names pasted, and they had been informed,” he said.

Mr Adeniran said this reduced the high number of voters in specific polling units.

He advised security agencies to be more proactive in tackling security challenges, especially in case of any emergency.

The REC appreciated the corps, alongside other security agencies, for diligently securing the electoral process. 

(NAN)