The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced restrictions on movement across the state ahead of the governorship election scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.
According to the statement, movement restrictions will commence from 12:00 a.m. and remain in effect until 6:00 p.m., covering both intra-state and inter-state roads across Ekiti State.
The police explained that the decision forms part of security measures designed to ensure a peaceful, orderly and violence-free electoral process.
The restriction will apply to all categories of motorised transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
However, students and candidates participating in national structured examinations and assessments have been exempted and will be allowed to access their examination centres.
The command advised travellers intending to pass through Ekiti on election day to make alternative travel arrangements and use different routes.
Accredited officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and other essential service providers will be permitted to move during the restriction period, provided they possess valid identification and authorised clearance tags.
The police also announced that the movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres will not be allowed.
In addition, vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits and volunteer groups have been prohibited from participating in election security operations.
Construction companies currently handling road projects within the state have also been advised to suspend active work for the duration of the election in the interest of public safety.
The command stated that only recognised security agencies and organisations operating under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units, collation centres and other election-related facilities.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, urged registered voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility.
He assured residents of adequate security throughout the election period and encouraged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
