Heavy security as INEC holds by-election in Lagos

Security was on Saturday, February 3, 2024, beefed up at the Surulere Local Government Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and across the constituency for the ongoing by-election in the state.

Security operatives from the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) were stationed across the constituency on Saturday.

The operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army also mounted several roadblocks to restrict movement in and around the constituency.

The by-election is being held to replace Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

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Several patrol vans and armoured personnel carriers loaded with armed security agents were seen patrolling streets and roads, while others were strategically stationed on bridges, flyovers, and roundabouts to provide security.

At the INEC office in Surulere, no fewer than 24 police officers with several patrol vehicles were stationed to provide security.

It was further gathered that a fully loaded Hummer bus with NSCDC officers was stationed at the INEC office, while INEC officials were busy preparing the stage for the final collation of election results and declaration of the winner.

No fewer than 12 candidates of different political parties are scrambling for 121,111 votes of registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the election.

The seat became vacant due to the resignation of Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff.

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Segun Ojo

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