On election day, all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation will be restricted from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of those on essential services like INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, the press, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, and firefighters. This order was issued by IGP Usman Alkali Baba, the Inspector-General of Police.
As part of the measures taken to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections, the order aims to maintain public order, protect electorates, and assist security agencies in their ineffective policing, thereby preventing criminals and hoodlums from interfering with the election process.
CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, a spokesperson for the police, stated, “Similarly, the IGP sternly warns all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election as anyone found flouting this directive will be severely sanctioned.” He emphasizes that only election-related security personnel are permitted in and around the designated election centers and booths.
“Also, the prohibition against the unauthorized use of tinted glasses, covered number plates, revolving lights, sirens, and revolving lights is still in effect, and those who break it would face the appropriate penalties. Participation in election security management is also prohibited for all quasi-security units, state-owned security outfits, and privately owned guard and security outfits.
“The IGP urges all active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise, while empathizing with well-meaning citizens on the inconveniences the restriction may cause. However, he warns that the Force will take decisive action against any individual or group that might want to put our collective resolve and ability to ensure a peaceful election to the test.
“The IGP urges all citizens to avoid vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, snatching of ballot boxes, and other criminal acts as the Force and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all violators of existing laws are brought to justice, particularly the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).”
“In order to report suspicious individuals, activities, or request security response, the Nigeria Police Force urges all members of the public to contact the Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Election Monitoring and Operations Room based at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, via the “NPF Rescue Me App,” which is available for Android and iOS, or the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-Free Line at 08031230631. Similarly, all State Police Commands will provide emergency contact numbers for other joint operations and election situation rooms.