By Milcah Tanimu

In anticipation of upcoming by-elections and run-off polls scheduled for Saturday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed increased security measures and movement restrictions in 26 states across the country. The Kaduna State Police Command, through spokesman Mansir Hassan, has specified the affected local government areas as Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Kaduna South, Kagarko, Kudan, and Kauru.

A comprehensive restriction of movement will be enforced from midnight on Saturday, February 3rd, until 5 pm. Notably, essential personnel such as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, election observers, medical staff, and accredited media personnel are exempt from these restrictions within the specified areas.

The police have issued a stern warning to unauthorized individuals, emphasizing the prohibition of access to Registration Area Centres (RAC) centers, polling units, and collation centers. Anyone found attempting to disrupt the process will face arrest and prosecution.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, the police authorities have clarified that the vehicular movement restrictions pertain exclusively to the Surulere area, where a by-election is scheduled for a federal constituency seat. Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, emphasized that there is no restriction of movement in other parts of the state, dispelling speculations to the contrary.

The Surulere Federal Constituency 1 seat became vacant following the appointment of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as Chief of Staff by President Bola Tinubu. Gbajabiamila had secured the position in the 2023 elections.