The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation in 26 states of the federation ahead of the re-run and by-elections scheduled for Saturday.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The restriction of movement, he said, would be from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the election day.
According to him, the restriction would not affect those on essential services such as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, among others.
The affected states are Ebonyi; Yobe; Kebbi; Lagos; Ondo; Taraba; Benue; Borno; Kaduna; Plateau; Akwa Ibom; Anambra; Cross River; Delta; Enugu; Jigawa; Katsina; Adamawa; Bauchi; Bayelsa; Kano; Nasarawa; Niger; Oyo; Sokoto and Zamfara.
The spokesman said the IGP had also ordered a ban on all security aides to Very Important Personalities, VIPs, and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
He said state-established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits were also barred from participating in election security management.
He explained that the movement restrictions, including the ban on aides of Very Important Personalities, VIP; escorts, and state security outfits, were crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process.
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“The IGP emphasises that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.
“The IGP urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, as any attempt to disrupt the electoral process or violate the established guidelines will be met with the full force of the law.
“The Inspector General of Police reiterates the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and therefore encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may undermine the electoral process to the appropriate authorities via the following phone numbers; 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); pressforabuja@police.gov.ng (e-mail),” the spokesman said.
He added that the IGP expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, the upcoming run-off and bye-elections would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with the principles of democracy.
