Authorities in northern Nigeria’s Kano State have imposed sweeping movement restrictions across four local government areas ahead of Saturday’s parliamentary re-run and by-elections, aiming to curb potential disruptions during the polls. The measures, announced Thursday by the Kano State Police Command, will restrict non-essential travel in Ghari, Tsanyawa, Bagwai, and Shanono from midnight on Friday, August 15, until 6:00 p.m. the following day.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, in a statement signed by spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, emphasized the move was critical to ensuring “a peaceful, free, fair, transparent, and successful election.” The directive bans motorcycles, tricycles, and private vehicles during the voting window, with exemptions granted only to emergency services, election officials, and accredited observers. Residents without valid voter cards or formal recognition from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be barred from polling units, while political attire, weapons, and congregating near voting sites are strictly prohibited.
The police also moved to neutralize potential sources of electoral interference by barring state-affiliated security groups—including local vigilantes and Kano’s Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA)—from operating near polling stations. Bakori assured citizens that federal security forces deployed for the elections would remain “apolitical, impartial, and professional,” adding that their presence aimed to safeguard voters and processes rather than influence outcomes.
These measures align with longstanding protocols for Nigeria’s contentious by-elections, which often see heightened tensions due to disputes over prior results or vacant seats. Kano, the country’s second-most populous state, has historically been a political battleground, amplifying the need for stringent security during electoral exercises. Authorities urged compliance with the guidelines, stressing cooperation would “foster public confidence” in the exercise.
Residents were advised to report security concerns via dedicated hotlines (08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926), though no specific threats were cited in the announcement. The restrictions mirror precautions taken during Nigeria’s February 2023 general elections, where movement limits and security deployments were employed to mitigate violence and vote manipulation. With voter turnout and logistical efficiency often hinging on such measures, the coming hours will test the balance between electoral integrity and civic convenience in the designated regions.
