“Security First” - INEC Pushes Stronger Agency Collaboration Ahead of Ondo By-Election

Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the resident electoral commissioner for Ondo State for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged the state's security services and the Commission to work together more closely.

Agboke made this call on Tuesday as the heads of security agencies in Akure were receiving a courtesy call from the INEC Ondo State management team.

Speaking to Mr. Sagiru Samaila, the Ondo State Director of the Department of State Services, Agboke emphasized the importance of the partnership as the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election on June 20, 2026, gets closer.

"INEC and security need strong cooperation," he stated. The current cooperation between INEC and the DSS needs to be strengthened.

"This is especially important as we get ready for the June 20, 2026, Ondo South Senatorial District Bye-Election."

Samaila responded by praising the INEC team's initiative.

Additionally, he gave INEC assurances about increased collaboration and the Service's preparedness to offer sufficient security before to, during, and following the poll.

The head of Ondo INEC emphasized the value of ongoing interagency cooperation during a visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service's (NCoS) Ondo State Command.

Additionally, he took use of the occasion to notify the Command of the start of Phase III of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which is scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026.

Charles Oyewole, the Ondo NCoS Comptroller, reiterated the organization's pledge to assist INEC if needed.