By-elections: IGP orders restriction of vehicular movement in 26 states

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in 26 states, where run-off and by-elections will take place.

In a statement on Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the restriction will be from 12 a.m to 6 p.m.

The by-elections are fixed for February 3 in various constituencies across 26 states.

The by-elections are to be conducted due to the death or resignation of members of the national and state houses of assembly.

In some constituencies, the court ordered run-off elections.

The elections will fill vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal and 28 state constituencies across 80 local government areas.

Individuals on essential services like officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, and emergency responders are exempted.

The IGP also banned security aides attached to very important persons (VIPs) from going to the polling booths and state-owned security outfits from election security management.

“Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to specified authorities. Numbered to call: 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); you can also reach us at @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); [email protected] (e-mail),” the statement reads.

Egbetokun warned of the legal consequences of disrupting the election process.