Police impose movement restriction on residents ahead of Ekiti election

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction on vehicular movement ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, describing the measure as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the restriction would take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 20, 2026, covering both intra-state and inter-state movement across all roads and highways in the state.

According to the command, the security measure is intended to prevent the movement of political thugs, troublemakers and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the conduct of the election.

Abutu noted that security agencies would strictly enforce the restriction throughout the period, warning residents and motorists to comply with the directive in the interest of public safety and electoral integrity.

The police, however, clarified that candidates participating in national structured examinations and other approved assessments would be exempted from the restriction and allowed to travel to their examination centres.

He explained that the exemption was necessary to ensure that students are not denied the opportunity to sit for important examinations because of the election-day security arrangements.

The command also exempted essential service providers, including officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited journalists, election observers, medical personnel and emergency responders, provided they possess valid means of identification.

Abutu further stated that only security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units and collation centres, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.