•Warn Stakeholders To Shun Vote Buying, Lawlessness
•Activist Urges INEC To Ensure Free, Fair Polls
The Police Commands across states where bye-elections are holding have announced restriction of movement, imploring stakeholders to be law abiding before, during and after the elections, as its officers would be fully on ground to maintain peace and order.
In Kaduna State, the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mansir Hassan, said the restriction of movement would start from midnight in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru local councils of the state. He said the measure was part of security arrangements put in place to ensure successful by-elections in the affected areas.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to comply with this directive, as only personnel on essential duties and those with valid election duties will be exempted. The command urges the residents to conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with the security agencies to ensure hitch-free elections,” Hassan said.
In Anambra State, the Police Command said restriction of movement starts from 6am to 6pm on Saturday in the affected areas where by-elections will be taking place. The command barred vigilante operatives and other quasi-security outfits such as Agunaechemba from operating during the election period.
The by-elections are taking place in Anambra South Senatorial District for senatorial election comprising nine local councils and Onitsha North 1 constituency for the state House of Assembly.
The spokesman for the command, SP TochukwuIkenga, said the directive was in line with the order of the Inspector-General of Police.
According to Ikenga, AIG Godwin Eze has been deployed as the Supervisor Officer for the by-elections in Anambra and has assumed full charge of duties.
The command assured residents of its readiness to safeguard the electoral process, urging citizens to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel deployed for the exercise.
“For complaints or emergencies, the public is encouraged to call the AIG: 08023407772 Command’s Control Room numbers: 07039194332, Police PRO: 08039334002,” the statement concluded.
Similarly, Ogun State Police Command has deployed personnel for the forthcoming Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
This was just as the command urged voters to adhere to the electoral laws, insisting that campaign, vote-buying, distribution of flyers, or display of political stickers at polling units are prohibited.
It also barred movement from 12:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. on Saturday, August 16, as Police officers deployed would be conducting stop and search to ensure a transparent poll.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Friday, said the State Police Commissioner, LanreOgunlowo, while briefing officers at the Police Headquarters, Eleweran, charged the officers on professionalism, civility and neutrality in the discharge of duties.
He said: “The command, in collaboration with other security agencies, and additional manpower from Zone 2 Command, Lagos, has put in place robust security measures to prevent election-related violence and ensure a safe and secure environment before, during and after the election.
“To ensure a credible, transparent, and violence-free election, voters are enjoined to adhere to the electoral laws. Acts such as campaign, vote-buying, distribution of flyers, or display of political stickers at polling areas are prohibited.
“The Ogun State Police Command appeals for the cooperation of all voters and warns individuals with malicious intentions to stay away from polling units as any attempt to disrupt the process will be met with decisive action,” he added.
Meanwhile, an activist, Comrade Kennedy Iyere has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free and fair National Assembly by-election in Edo State.
The by-elections aim to fill the vacancies left by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa, who were elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State respectively.
Iyere, on Friday, expressed concerns over allegations of potential electoral malpractices, urging INEC to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
He stressed that the success of the by-elections would depend on the commission’s ability to conduct the polls in a manner that reflects the will of the people.
The activist further stressed the importance of deploying adequate security measures, ensuring the availability of voting materials, and providing a level playing field for all contestants.
By doing so, Iyere said, INEC would not only uphold its reputation but also reinforce public trust in the electoral system.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened during the gubernatorial election where the poll was flawed with electoral malpractices. I urge candidates participating in the by-elections to put in place adequate measures and arrangements that would expose malpractices in order to have proof to show if there is any.”
