16 Mar 2023 | 01:25 PM UTC
Nigeria: Officials to deploy heightened security on polling day March 18; political gatherings to persist /update 9
Authorities to deploy heightened security across Nigeria on governorship polling day March 18; political gatherings to persist.
Event
Authorities will deploy heightened security measures across the country during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for March 18. Disruptions to transport, businesses, and other services are almost certain on voting day. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will close land borders on March 18, while authorities will also likely restrict the movement of persons and non-accredited vehicles on March 18. Officials may impose restrictive measures such as temporary curfews to prevent or in the event of significant unrest. During the Feb. 25 presidential election, authorities deployed about 400,000 security personnel to secure polling stations.
Political gatherings are likely nationwide through at least the end of the election cycle and the aftermath through late March. Likely gathering locations include main urban centers, notably near All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political party headquarters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, and government budlings. Clashes between supporters of rival political groups remain possible, particularly in urban areas such as Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. Other forms of election-related violence are possible, including targeted assassinations and abductions. Militant and criminal attacks targeting election-related sites and events are also possible during the election period.
Context
The governorship elections will be held in 28 states as the states of Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun are conducting governorship elections off-cycle.
Advice
Avoid discussing political topics in public. Avoid all public demonstrations and political gatherings. If clashes break out nearby, take shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Exercise extreme caution and refrain from nonessential activities across Nigeria leading up to and on March 18.
