By Adeyinka Adeniran
As parts of measures to ensure a secured environment for lives and property before, during and after the August 16 slated bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Ibadan, Oyo State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna on Wednesday announced some actionable security measures that has been put in place.
Accompanied by other security Commanders in the state under the aegis of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), CP Haruna said, the security agencies recognize that conducting a safe election requires collaboration, commitment, and adherence to the rule of law, and thus the operatives are resolute in their collective resolve to uphold the standards.
Other security Commanders who flanked the CP include: State Director of Security, Department of State Services, Mr. R.A Adelakun, Air Commodore S.A Adeyanju, The Commander 655, Nigeria Air Force Station, Ibadan, top officials of the Command, among others.
He said some of the measures put in place include that, no quasi-security organizations, including state-backed groups will be permitted to participate in Saturday’s bye-election.
Additionally, the CP noted that all electoral laws remain in force, noting that there will be no campaigning or display of political insignia/logos at polling units and wards on the day of election.
He stressed that the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited around polling units and wards to maintain decorum and order, adding that no uniformed personnel will be allowed to escort aspirants to cast their votes at polling units or wards on the day of election.
He noted that in preparation for the electoral exercise, the Committee held a series of consultations with strategic security stakeholders to assess and affirm their readiness.
CP Haruna said, “We want to inform you about the significant steps that have been taken by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the Oyo State Police Command to ensure a secure, free, and fair election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election.
“This election is set to take place in just 72 hours, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, following the unfortunate passing of the esteemed representative, late Hon. Olaide Aderemi.
“In preparation for this critical electoral exercise, ICCES has held a series of consultations with strategic security stakeholders to assess and affirm our readiness.
“We recognize that conducting a safe election requires collaboration, commitment, and adherence to the rule of law, and we are resolute in our collective resolve to uphold these standards.
“Today, we undertook a symbolic signing of the Peace Accord among participating political parties and aspirants.
“This Accord serves as a binding commitment for all parties to maintain peace and good conduct during and after the election, while firmly discouraging any forms of electoral violence. The following key resolutions were agreed upon:
“That no quasi-security organizations, including state-backed groups will be permitted to participate in Saturday’s bye-election.
“Enforcement of Electoral Laws: All electoral laws remain in force. There shall be no campaigning or display of political insignia/logos at polling units and wards on the day of Election.
“Alcohol Ban: The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited around polling units and wards to maintain decorum and order.
“Uniform Personnel Restrictions: No uniformed personnel shall escort aspirants to cast their votes at polling units or wards on the day of election.
“Ban on Inducements: The distribution of financial inducements or any form of coercion to influence voters is strictly forbidden.
“Violence Prevention: Anyone found in possession of any instrument of violence within or outside the voting area will face strict legal action and prosecution.
“Movement Restrictions: There will be restrictions on movement from 12 mid-night on the election day till 5pm within Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan South West, and their adjoining boundaries to ensure safety and security.
“Residents can expect a significant deployment of security presence throughout the event. Our measures will include high-octane convoy patrols, intermittent shows of force, intelligence-driven raids, stop-and-search operations, and continuous surveillance across the metropolis.
“We urge parents, guardians, and community leaders to play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of this electoral process. We ask that you discourage your children, wards, and protégés from being used as tools for violence or disruption. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will attract legal consequences and sanctions.
“We are committed to the success of a peaceful electoral process and urge all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities to protect democracy in our state. Together, we can ensure that the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election is conducted without fear, violence, or intimidation.”
