Movement Restrictions Imposed by the IGP in 26 States for Upcoming Bye-Elections

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has announced a restriction on all forms of vehicular movement in 26 states across the country during the upcoming 2024 run-off and bye-elections scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

This decision has been made in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the electoral process.

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.

The restriction on vehicular movement will be in effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, with exceptions made for essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media, and emergency responders.

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.

Additionally, state-established and owned security outfits, as well as privately owned guard and security outfits, have been barred from participating in election security management.

This measure is aimed at preventing any undue interference or intimidation during the electoral process and to ensure a fair and transparent election for all citizens of the affected states.

The IGP has urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the electoral laws, emphasizing that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process will be met with swift and decisive action.