By Deborah Nnamdi
The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction on vehicular movement ahead of Saturday’s governorship election as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, stating that the restriction would take effect from midnight (12:00 a.m.) and remain in force until 6:00 p.m. on election day.
According to Abutu, the restriction will apply to both intra-state and inter-state roads across Ekiti State and covers all forms of motorized transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles.
He explained that the measure forms part of comprehensive security arrangements designed to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, and violence-free election.
However, Abutu noted that students and candidates participating in national examinations and assessments would be exempted from the restriction and allowed to travel to their examination centres.
He advised travellers intending to pass through Ekiti on election day to make alternative travel arrangements and use other routes.
The police spokesperson added that accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and other essential service providers would be allowed to move during the restriction period, provided they possess valid identification and clearance tags.
Abutu further stated that the movement of VIPs accompanied by armed escorts to polling units and collation centres would not be permitted during the election.
He also warned that vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits, and volunteer organisations would not be allowed to provide security services during the poll.
In addition, construction companies carrying out road projects across the state have been directed to suspend active work throughout the election period due to security concerns.
The command emphasised that only personnel from recognised security agencies and organisations operating under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units, collation centres, and other election-related facilities.
Abutu quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, as urging eligible voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights. He assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the election.
Shogunle also appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency or through the police emergency line. According to him, security agencies remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for all participants in the electoral process.
