Ahead of Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, the Nigerian Police Force has advised voters to return home immediately after casting their ballots.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, during a special edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, emphasized that only those accredited to move around on election day will be allowed on the streets.
“It’s important for everyone to know that if you are not accredited for any election-related function, you should not be out on the street. Go, cast your vote, and return home,” DIG Mba stated.
Regarding police readiness for the election, DIG Mba assured that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure a smooth voting process. “We have done our deployments, taken care of concerns, secured INEC headquarters, RAC centres, and planned operations for tomorrow. We are good to go,” he added.
Tackling Vote Buying
DIG Mba acknowledged the challenge of curbing vote buying, calling it one of the hardest offenses to police. However, he promised that offenders caught in the act would be dealt with. “Vote buying often happens away from public view, sometimes even in private homes. But where it occurs publicly and is detected by our security network, we will take action,” he affirmed.
Edo State voters will head to the polls on Saturday to elect a new governor, with 17 candidates competing for the position at Dennis Osadebay House in Benin City.
IGP Orders Movement Restrictions
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered restrictions on movement in Edo to safeguard the electoral process. Security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres have been banned, and unauthorized security personnel and vehicles with sirens are also prohibited from operating during the election.
A statement from Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi outlined that all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other transportation will be restricted from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.