In 26 states having byelections on Saturday, Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has issued an order restricting all vehicular movement on roads, canals, and other kinds of transit from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is in addition to those who are doing vital tasks, such as firefighters, authorised media, members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and election observers.
Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom are the states that are impacted. The remaining states are Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, and Zamfara.
Additionally, the Inspector General (IG) issued an order prohibiting any security assistants to VIPs and escorts from going to voting places and collation centers with their principals and lawmakers on election day.
The development was announced in a statement on Thursday by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
The Force PRO said, “The Inspector General of Police, Okukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12am to 6pm on election day in all states where elections will be conducted.
“With the exception of those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers both foreign and domestic, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc., during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place across 26 states on Saturday, February 3, 2024.”
Adejobi further stated that quasi-security units, privately owned guard and security outfits, and state-established and owned security outfits and organizations are prohibited from taking part in election security administration.
He added, “The movement restrictions, including the ban on VIP aides, escorts, and state security outfits, are crucial measures aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process. The IG emphasizes that these restrictions are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the elections and guarantee equal participation for all citizens of the affected states.
“The IG 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.”