With supplementary elections set to take place in 2,660 polling units across the country on Saturday, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has assured voters of their safety at the polls. He has also taken steps to ensure this safety by directing the deployment of policemen to 185 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 24 states where supplementary polls will be held.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared some governorship, National Assembly, and state assemblies’ polls inconclusive during the February 25 and March 18 elections and ordered a rerun. These elections were marred by widespread violence and voter suppression, particularly in states such as Lagos and Rivers where thugs terrorized voters at polling units, leading to voter apathy.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police boss has ordered the adequate deployment of supporting personnel and additional logistics to ensure effective election security management during the forthcoming supplementary elections on Saturday, April 15th, 2023. This move is aimed at ensuring that voters can exercise their democratic right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation.
In the statement, Muyiwa said, “The additional support includes the deployment of personnel, operational vehicles, non-lethal weapons, personal protective equipment (body armor), anti-riot equipment etc.
“In the same vein, the IGP has directed all supervising senior police officers in charge of jurisdictions where the supplementary elections will be held, particularly the supplementary gubernatorial elections in Adamawa and Kebbi States, to ensure the emplacement of adequate manpower and other resources for effective policing of the electoral process.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has encouraged voters in the states where supplementary elections are taking place to come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote.
He has also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and orderliness during the process, urging voters to behave in a law-abiding and peaceful manner. The IGP’s call is aimed at ensuring a safe and secure electoral process, where citizens can vote without fear of violence or intimidation.
