The Nigeria Police Force says it has deployed personnel to forestall any post-election crisis after the Ondo State off-cyle governorship election held on Saturday.
Mr Abiodun Alabi, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) made this known while addressing newsmen at the police headquarters in Akure on Sunday after the result of the election was announced by INEC.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), was declared winner by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
NAN also reports that 18 political parties participated in the Ondo State off-cyle governorship election.
Alabi said that the police had arrested three people over ballot box snatching at Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state during the election.
According to him, the deployment is to support the democratic process that binds us together.
“In that regard, we have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and order,
“The police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election or ugly incident in any part of the state.
“Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace,” the DIG said.
Alabi, who said that the police would continue to rise to its mandate of election security, reaffirmed police commitment to uphold and protect democratic principles.
“Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.
“In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation.
“As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation.
“Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together,” he said. (NAN)