The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, says they have mobilised 500 personnel to Ondo ahead of Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency by-election on Saturday.
In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), Dr. Hammed Abodunrin, NSCDC State Commandant, said the deployment was aimed at providing adequate security to electoral officials, the electorate and election materials.
He assured residents of the state that the command was committed to safeguarding lives and property during and after the election.
He warned that any act capable of breaching public peace during and after the exercise would not be condoned.
“NSCDC will deploy over 500 personnel both in plain cloth and uniform men for the election, while police who is leading agency in the election matter will also be participating.
“About 2,000 security personnel are needed for the election. All security agencies in the state are contributing to ensure that everything is okay. Even Army will be on standby because we don’t want to take anything for granted,” he said.
“Electorate should not panic because election is not a war. They should go out and vote for their candidate,” he said.
The seat became vacant following the death of Adedayo Omolafe of the Peoples’ Democratic Party on Aug. 26, 2021.