Governorship Elections: IGP Restricts Vehicular Movement, Bans Security Aides From Polling Units

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has placed a restriction on movement of vehicles during the Saturday, March 18 governorship and state assembly elections.

The order was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the force’s spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.

The IGP who also placed a ban on security aides, directed that the restriction to take effect from 12 am to 6 pm.

According to the statement: “Sequel to the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on the 18th of march, 2023, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, has ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm 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, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.

“This directive excludes the Federal Capital Territory as no election is being conducted therein.

“Similarly, the IGP reiterates the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

“State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

“The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law-abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered.”