The Independent National Electoral Commission has called for enhanced collaboration with security agencies in Ondo State as preparations intensify for the forthcoming Ondo South Senatorial District by-election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal on Tuesday during a series of courtesy visits to heads of security agencies in Akure.
Agboke, who led the commission’s management team, stressed that effective synergy between INEC and security outfits was critical to ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process.
“We must deepen the existing cooperation between INEC and security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services, as we prepare for the by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026,” he said.
Responding, the Ondo State Director of the DSS, Mr Sagiru Samaila, assured the commission of the agency’s readiness to provide adequate security throughout the electoral process.
He pledged that the service would work closely with INEC to safeguard the integrity of the election before, during, and after the exercise.
Similarly, during a visit to the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Agboke reiterated the need for sustained inter-agency collaboration to support electoral operations.
He also disclosed that the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise would commence on May 11, 2026.
In his remarks, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state, Charles Oyewole, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting INEC’s activities whenever required.
The commission has continued to engage key stakeholders as part of efforts to ensure a seamless and transparent electoral process in the state.
