Confusion over IGP’s Statement on Movement Restrictions During Election

Pat Stevens/

The statement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, that voters whose polling units are located far from their residences are free to move about with their permanent voter cards (PVC) during the period of voting seem to be generating some confusion.

The IGP made the clarification while responding to a question during the daily stakeholders’ briefing by the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, today in Abuja.

A participant had asked if persons whose polling units are located very far from where they reside will have free passage to such poling units despite the restriction on movement that will be in force.

The IGP responded that restriction of movement during the period of election was put in place to protect certified voters and other accredited personnel and not to hinder them, hence, people with PVCs were free to move around to locate their polling units.

Following the IGP’s statement, guests on a Channels TV programme, The Verdict, could however not agree on the import of the statement.

Their confusion stemmed from the lack of clarity on how far a person can go in search of his polling unit and what mode of transportation will be allowed.

However, a Deputy Commandant with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sola Odumosu, who was also a guest on the programme assured citizens that they could move around using any means once they carry their PVCs and some other forms of ID, and also comport themselves.