The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has begun preparations for the 2027 General Election with a risk-management workshop for security operatives and Electoral Officers from the state’s 18 local government areas.

The Electoral Risk Management (ERM) sensitisation workshop focused on identifying threats to the electoral process, strengthening early-warning systems, and developing measures to prevent or reduce risks before, during, and after the polls.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, described elections as a continuous process rather than a one-day event, stressing that adequate security is needed at every stage to protect voters, officials, and sensitive electoral materials.

He urged participants to assess security challenges in their respective areas and work closely with the Commission, particularly around collation centres where the integrity of results must be protected.

The Head of INEC’s Department of Planning and Monitoring, Alhaji Wasiu Olundegun, said the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of electoral risks and improve coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders.

Representing the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, CSP Ovunda O. Janet assured INEC and residents of adequate security before, during, and after the election.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process.

Participants were grouped by senatorial districts to identify possible electoral risks and recommend preventive and mitigation measures, with their findings presented for further discussion and guidance from the Commission.