The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has deployed personnel to forestall any post-election crisis after the Ondo State off-cycle governorship election held on Saturday.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abiodun Alabi made this known while addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Akure on Sunday, after the result of the election was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.
Eighteen political parties participated in the Ondo State off-cycle governorship election.
Some have already rejected the result, alleging manipulations in the process.
Alabi said that the police had arrested three people over ballot box snatching at Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area during the election.
According to him, the deployment is to support the democratic process.
“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 other,
“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 stand in their mission to play their role of election security effectively, 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.