The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, has directed Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands to hand over electoral case files to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for prosecution.
In a statement on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that ‘investigations in all cases of violations against the 2022 Electoral Act during the February 25th, 2023 Presidential, and National Assembly electioneering process are swiftly concluded and the case files forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prosecution.’
‘In a bid to ensure all-inclusive election security management and accord Nigerians benefits/leverage of active participation, to achieve free, fair, and credible Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections on 18th March 2023, the IGP has tasked Strategic Police Managers to engage stakeholders in their respective jurisdictions through town hall meetings and other viable avenues.’
The IGP also urged the public to collaborate with the Police to ‘ensure hitch-free security architecture for all and sundry, particularly the electorates, accredited observers, INEC officials, and materials so that all citizens can exercise their franchise without molestation, harassment, and security threats.’
Recall that the 25th of February Presidential and National Assembly elections were marred with electoral fraud in many regions of the country.
While some persons were denied exercising their franchise, others were beaten, stabbed, and threatened about voting for a particular candidate.
Meanwhile, a lot of protests ensued over the disenfranchisement as citizens demanded the right to vote for their desired candidate in the election.
