By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has organised an Electoral Risk Management (ERM) sensitisation workshop for security operatives and Electoral Officers across the state’s 18 local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen electoral security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The workshop focused on identifying potential threats to the electoral process, strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, and improving collaboration among security agencies and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, described elections as processes rather than mere events, stressing that every stage requires adequate security to protect lives, electoral personnel and election materials.
Agboke urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to identify potential risks associated with the terrain of their respective areas, assess factors that could undermine the smooth conduct of elections and develop effective strategies to address them.
He particularly charged security operatives to complement the Commission’s efforts by ensuring watertight security at every stage of the electoral process, with special attention to collation centres, where the integrity of election results must be protected.
In his presentation, the Head of the Department of Planning and Monitoring, Alhaji Wasiu Olundegun, outlined the objectives of the workshop, which included improving participants’ understanding of electoral risk management, identifying potential threats, strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Ovunda O. Janet, assured INEC and residents of the state’s readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, SC Aidamenbor Daniel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reaffirmed the Corps’ preparedness and commitment to supporting a peaceful and secure electoral process.
The workshop featured breakout sessions in which participants were divided into groups and assigned the three senatorial districts in the state to identify possible electoral risk factors and recommend appropriate preventive and mitigation measures.
At the end of the sessions, the groups presented their findings, while participants raised questions and made observations to deepen understanding and encourage constructive engagement.
