The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued an order for a ban on all vehicular movement—across roads, waterways, and other transportation modes—from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, the day of the Ondo State governorship election. The directive, aimed at ensuring a smooth and secure election process, was communicated in a statement released on Thursday by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, the restriction will not apply to essential services, including ambulances, media personnel, fire services, and accredited media representatives, who will be exempt from the ban.
In addition, the IG has prohibited security aides and VIP escorts from accompanying their principals to polling stations and collation centers, a measure aimed at maintaining order and preventing potential disruptions during the election. Furthermore, the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be strictly prohibited on election day.
As part of the security arrangements, Adejobi stated, “There will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, except for those on essential services such as ambulances, media personnel, fire services, and other accredited media.”
He also emphasized that unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies would not be permitted to operate on election day, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a secure and orderly environment for the voters.
Special consideration will be given to elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and others who may require assistance on election day.
To oversee the security operations during the election, Adejobi announced the deployment of DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the election. He will be supported by AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu, who have been appointed as AIG and CP Elections, respectively.
Adejobi further urged the public to report any suspicious activities that could threaten the integrity of the election, reinforcing the police’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure, and democratic process as Ondo State prepares for the polls.
