The Ogun State Police Command has cautioned against voter intimidation, electoral violence, or any actions that could disrupt the upcoming local government elections in the state, set for Saturday. The warning was issued in a statement on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola.
The elections will take place across the state’s 20 local government areas and 237 wards. The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, has reportedly implemented extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The statement read, “The Ogun State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order during the electoral process. We urge the public to cooperate fully, abstain from interfering unlawfully, and avoid violating election laws, including ballot box snatching and incitement to violence. Politicians must also refrain from making inflammatory statements that could incite tension at polling stations.”
To facilitate a smooth election, the command announced a statewide restriction of movement from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The restriction will apply to all forms of commercial and private transportation services to prevent disruptions during voting.
The statement continued, “Individuals not eligible to vote due to registration issues or other reasons are advised to stay home and avoid using intimidation or disruption tactics. Police mobile forces, tactical teams, intervention squads, and undercover detectives are being deployed to high-risk areas and will respond swiftly to any attempts to incite chaos or engage in illegal activities.”
The state government has also declared Friday a work-free day to allow civil servants to travel to their local government areas to participate in the elections. The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, made the announcement, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in the democratic process.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of voters and the protection of electoral materials, urging residents to exercise their rights peacefully.
