The Nigeria Police Force has assured residents of Ilese and neighbouring communities of adequate security before, during and after elections, urging them to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear of intimidation.
The assurance was given on Saturday at a Voters’ Education Summit organised by the Ilese Development Council, themed, “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow, Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation.” The event brought together community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth groups, women and other stakeholders to promote voter registration and active participation in the democratic process.
Representing the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, said the police remained committed to safeguarding voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the electoral process.
He urged residents to conduct themselves peacefully and not allow fear or intimidation to stop them from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains professional, impartial and fully prepared to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials while maintaining law and order before, during and after elections,” he said.
Earlier, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, represented by the Head of Department, Operations, Independent National Electoral Commission, Joseph Omotiloye, stressed the importance of voter registration as the foundation of democratic governance.
She urged all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in elections.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, described the ballot as one of the most powerful tools available to citizens to shape the future of their communities and the nation.
Kalejaye encouraged residents to embrace their civic responsibility by participating in elections, noting that voting remained the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding public office holders accountable.
He also cautioned against vote buying, describing the practice as a major threat to democracy.
“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance. Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity and their commitment to serving the people,” he said.
Participants at the summit were educated on voter registration procedures, the need to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards and the importance of rejecting electoral violence and other forms of malpractice.
The stakeholders also pledged to mobilise eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to register, collect their PVCs, reject vote buying and contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through informed political participation.
