Civil Defence Cautions Against Post-Election Unrest In Abuja

After the generally hitch-free area council election across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the commandant of the FCT Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has cautioned against any attempt to disrupt public peace in the territory over the results.

After conducting an extensive monitoring tour of several polling units yesterday, Odumosu described the exercise as a successful “litmus test” for the 2027 general elections. He commended voters for their orderly conduct and praised the strategic deployment of security personnel across the six area councils, noting that their presence contributed significantly to the calm atmosphere recorded.

Dr. Odumosu attributed the peaceful process to meticulous planning and strong inter-agency collaboration among security outfits. According to him, the seamless coordination observed throughout the exercise reflects months of preparedness aimed at ensuring credible and violence-free polls.

While acknowledging that no electoral process is ever 100 per cent flawless, the FCT commandant emphasised that the exercise offered security agencies a valuable opportunity to assess operational strategies and implement improvements ahead of future nationwide elections.

Odumosu reassured residents that although he did not anticipate any immediate breakdown of law and order, security operatives remained fully mobilised to swiftly contain any threat to public safety.

He further confirmed that the NSCDC, working in synergy with sister agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services was on high alert to deter individuals or groups who may attempt to incite violence or undermine the electoral outcome.

According to him,  sustained patrols and the visible presence of security personnel across strategic locations send a clear warning to potential troublemakers.

“The security apparatus remains fully prepared for any eventuality as the election moves into its final phase,” he stated.

Earlier, Odumosu had issued strict operational guidelines to officers deployed for the election, directing them to remain neutral and avoid interference in the voting process. He said their mandate was strictly limited to providing security and protecting electoral materials and infrastructure.

He said, “Don’t assist any voter to vote. I don’t want to hear that he said he didn’t know the parties or couldn’t see well, and then you step in. Steer clear of anything that could send out wrong signals.”

Reinforcing the message of professionalism and non-partisanship, he reminded personnel of their constitutional responsibilities.

“My charge, as always, is that you remain professional. Remain non-partisan. You belong to no political party. Our job is security. Protect humans and infrastructure. I don’t want to hear that you worked for any political party or candidate,” he said.

He further revealed that with 1,587,025 voters participating in the polls, the exercise represents a major test of the Electoral Act 2026. Notably, 94.4 per cent of the 1,680,315 registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), an indication of strong civic engagement and preparedness among residents of the nation’s capital.