Nigeria Police Force has unveiled extensive security arrangements as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP) and other political parties engage in a battle for supremacy in by-elections in 12 states today.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered watertight security across hit constituencies, with senior officers such as Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police deployed to direct operations. Tactical groups such as the Mobile Police Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department were also deployed.
To allow for smooth polls, the IGP imposed a ban on vehicle movement between 12 am and 6 pm in troubled local government areas with the exception of INEC officials, accredited media, observers, medical responders, and firefighters. He also re-emphasized the ban of security aides accompanying politicians to polling booths and cautioned state-owned security agencies, private guardsmen, and vigilantes not to interfere with election security.
Force PRO, CP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police would adhere to normal electoral processes strictly and protect citizens’ right to vote freely.
In Kogi State, the command assured residents of maximum security throughout the Okura II State Constituency by-election. Police spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, noted that Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye was working in partnership with other security agencies to guarantee peaceful conduct and cautioned troublemakers to steer clear of walking around polling and collation centres.
Meanwhile, political tensions are rising in Anambra ahead of by-elections in the Anambra South Senatorial zone and Onitsha North I State Assembly constituency.
The National Assembly Caucus of the Labour Party accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), of plotting to send thugs, state-backed vigilantes, and tax collectors to intimidate opposition voters. In a joint statement, LP lawmakers alleged that Soludo had planned sending state security personnel to “assume voting points” and intimidate opposing supporters.
However, the Anambra State Government discredited the allegations as “laughable and baseless.” Information Commissioner, Dr. Law Mefor, insisted that election security rested solely with the police and INEC, not the state government. He accused the LP of “crying wolf”. owing to a fear of APGA’s political dominance.
“Election security, especially INEC-organized elections, have nothing to do with Anambra State Government. Ndi Anambra are urged to come out in peace, vote, and protect their votes,” Mefor stated.
The LP caucus, however, restated its allegations and called for the immediate deployment of national security agencies, including the NSA, Army, DSS, and NSCDC, to safeguard the voters and ensure free and fair elections.
While political mudslinging continues to pour and security agencies are on high alert, today’s by-elections are now a test of Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible and peaceful elections.
