As Lagosian prepare to head to the polls for the Saturday Local Government Election, the Lagos State
police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement across the state, from 3am to
3pm, on July 12, 2025.

The directive, issued by Commissioner of Police Oohundare Jimoh, and conveyed through the
command’s spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, comes as part of broader security efforts to ensure a
peaceful and orderly election process.

Also Read: Where vehicular restrictions are to be expected for Saturday’s by-elections

According to the police, the restriction applies to all roads and waterways within Lagos, with exception
granted only to emergency services such as ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement patrols.
Voters, the state election officials, accredited observers, and Journalists must carry proper identification
tags certified by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Anyone without this will be
barred from participation or election duty and may face arrest or prosecution.

Also Read: Why voters shunned Saturday by-election at the only polling unit in Lagos

Beyond the vehicular lockdown, the police have also banned police escorts and armed security aides
from accompanying any political figures to polling unit or collation centre. Sirens, covered car licence
plates, and any form of intimidation near polling grounds have also been strictly prohibited.
The Lagos State police, alongside other security and safety agencies working under the Inter-Agency
Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), will deploy thousands of personnel. This
coordination effort is aimed at securing voters, election materials, and officials before, during and after
the vote.

“We’ve put elaborate security arrangement in place” Jimoh said. “The safety of Lagosian and the
credibility of the election remain our top priority”
The police said that the restriction is not just part of a routine exercise but it is a measure used to
prevent disruptions, ballot snatching, and electoral malpractice, which are generally associated with
elections in Nigeria.

For essential workers, particularly medical responders and accredited media, operations will continue as
normal, but only with valid credentials and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.
Quasi-security outfits or state security agencies not listed in ICCES will not be allowed to operate.
With tension often running high during elections, the police have sent a strong message and any
violation of movement orders, security breaches, or impersonation might be met with swift action.
As Lagos counts down to the Local Government Election July 12, 2025, residents are advised to prepare
ahead. Stock on food, fuel and other essentials a day before the election and stay indoor if not voting.
Voters should locate their polling units in advance and head out early. Avoid large crowds, stay alert and
carry valid ID if you are on official duty.

However, cynics point out that all these security efforts are not necessary as only one party appears to
be involved in the election. The local council elections, some say, is more a coronation than an actual
contest as only the dominant party’s candidates will be declared winners, no matter boters’
preferences. It is same as local council elections in other states where the state governors or other
major influencers handpick people as shoo-ins

Anita Chinedu