Saturday Bye-elections: IGP orders movement restrictions in 26 states 

Ahead of the Saturday’s run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place across 26 states in the country the Inspector General of Police, IGP Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun  has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day in all states where elections would be holding with the exception of those on essential services 

This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer FPRO Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi’

According to the statement those exempted from the order are officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC , electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters amongst others,

The affected states include 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.

It further explained that the IGP has also ordered a ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election while  State-established and owned security outfits and organizations, quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits were also barred from participating in election security management.

 The statement pointed out that he movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, were crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process.

 The IGP emphasized that these restrictions were being  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.

It added that the Police boss reiterated  the commitment of the Force to fostering a secure and democratic society, and therefore encouraged 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).

It further explained 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.