IGP bans vigilante, Amotekun others from participating in Ondo election

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive banning the participation of vigilante groups, including Amotekun and other local security outfits, in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State. The decision, made public on November 9, 2024, has sparked a wave of reactions, as it underscores the continued tension between federal and state security agencies in the country.

Egbetokun’s directive comes amid concerns over the role of non-state actors in the conduct of elections in Nigeria. The IGP emphasized that the participation of vigilante groups in election security was neither permissible nor lawful. He highlighted that while these groups are vital to maintaining peace in local communities, they are not authorized to engage in electoral activities or assume the role of law enforcement during elections.

The statement from the police chief was a direct response to the growing influence of state-sponsored security outfits, particularly the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), also known as Amotekun, which was established by the governments of the South-West states to address local security challenges. The Amotekun corps have played a prominent role in curbing criminality in the region, and their involvement in securing elections has been a subject of debate. The federal government has expressed concerns over the increasing militarization of security in the region, with some arguing that such groups could be used to exert undue influence over voters.

Egbetokun warned that any member of a vigilante group, including Amotekun, found engaging in election-related activities would be arrested and prosecuted. He made it clear that only duly authorized agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and other federal law enforcement bodies, would be allowed to provide security during the election period. This is to ensure that the election is free, fair, and transparent without external interference from local or regional security forces.

The IGP’s decision has raised questions about the autonomy of regional security structures. Amotekun, which was created as part of efforts to enhance security in the South-West, operates outside the traditional federal security framework and has been seen by some as a necessary supplement to the overstretched police force. However, critics of the group have warned that it could lead to political manipulation and security lapses if left unchecked, especially in an election season.

In addition to the directive against vigilante groups, the IGP also announced a comprehensive security plan for the Ondo election. This plan includes the deployment of thousands of police officers, as well as support from other federal security agencies, to ensure that law and order are maintained throughout the electoral process. The IGP stated that the police would collaborate closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a safe environment for voters and election officials.

The ban has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters of Amotekun argue that the ban is an overreach and reflects a broader attempt by the federal government to centralize control over security matters, undermining state-level efforts to combat insecurity. They contend that local security outfits like Amotekun have proven to be more effective in addressing specific challenges faced by their communities, and their exclusion from election security could leave gaps in maintaining order.

On the other hand, those in favor of the IGP’s decision believe that it is crucial to ensure that local security groups do not become politicized, particularly during an election, as this could lead to bias and intimidation. They also argue that the involvement of these groups in electoral matters could raise questions about the credibility of the election process.

The IGP’s ban on vigilante groups in Ondo comes just days ahead of the state’s highly anticipated gubernatorial election, raising the stakes for the contest. With political campaigns already heating up, the security arrangements for the election will be closely monitored. The IGP has urged political parties, their supporters, and all citizens to remain law-abiding, and promised that the police force would remain vigilant to prevent any threats to the peace and integrity of the election.

In the coming days, the police’s approach to election security, particularly in regard to the exclusion of vigilante groups, will likely continue to be a topic of debate across Nigeria.