The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election by organising an Electoral Risk Management (ERM) sensitisation workshop for security operatives and Electoral Officers across the state's 18 local government areas.

The workshop focused on identifying potential threats to the electoral process, strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, and developing strategies to ensure peaceful, credible and secure elections.

In his opening remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, emphasised that elections should be viewed as processes rather than isolated events, noting that every stage requires adequate security arrangements to protect lives, electoral personnel and election materials.

Agboke urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to identify risks associated with the geographical and security conditions of their respective areas, assess factors that could undermine the smooth conduct of elections, and develop effective measures to prevent or mitigate potential threats.

He particularly charged security operatives to strengthen collaboration with the Commission and ensure watertight security throughout the electoral process, especially at collation centres, where the integrity of election results must be protected.

In his presentation, the Head of the Department of Planning and Monitoring, Alhaji Wasiu Olundegun, outlined the objectives of the workshop, which include enhancing participants' understanding of electoral risk management, identifying potential threats, improving early warning and response systems, and strengthening cooperation among electoral stakeholders.

In a goodwill message, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Ovunda O. Janet, assured INEC and residents of the state's readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after the 2027 General Election.

Similarly, SC Aidamenbor Daniel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reaffirmed the Corps' preparedness and commitment to supporting a peaceful and secure electoral process.

The workshop featured breakout sessions in which participants were divided into groups and assigned senatorial districts to identify potential electoral risk factors and recommend appropriate preventive and mitigation strategies.

At the end of the sessions, the groups presented their findings, prompting questions, observations and further discussions aimed at deepening participants' understanding of electoral risk management.