The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction on vehicular movement ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and violence-free electoral process.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the restriction will take effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day and will cover both intra-state and inter-state roads across the state. The command explained that the measure is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may seek to disrupt the election.
The restriction will apply to all forms of motorized transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles. Consequently, travelers intending to pass through Ekiti State during the period have been advised to seek alternative routes.
However, the police clarified that candidates participating in national structured examinations and assessments would not be affected by the restriction and should proceed to their examination centres as scheduled.
The command also exempted designated officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ad hoc staff, accredited journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and other essential service providers from the movement restriction. Such individuals are required to carry valid identification cards and clearance tags.
The statement further noted that medical emergencies would be permitted throughout the restriction period.
In addition, the police warned that the movement of VIPs accompanied by armed escorts or security aides to polling units and collation centres would not be allowed. Quasi-security outfits, vigilante groups, and volunteer security organisations were also prohibited from providing security services at polling units and collation centres during the election.
The command advised construction companies operating within the state to suspend all active road construction work on election day to enhance safety and facilitate security operations.
According to the statement, only personnel of recognised security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be authorised to provide security around election facilities.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the state.
He also encouraged registered voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility, assuring residents of the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property before, during, and after the election.The command urged members of the public to report suspicious movements or security concerns to the nearest police station or through the emergency line: 08062335577.
