The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Tuesday met with Senator Abdul-Azeez Yaradua at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to discuss ongoing reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws, particularly a proposal to allow early voting for security personnel on election duty.
The meeting, according to Force spokesman DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was also attended by Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Mr. Samson Itodo; the group’s Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu; and other stakeholders.
“Senator Yaradua presented the draft Electoral Reform Bill to the IGP for his perusal, professional input, and institutional guidance to ensure the legislation adequately addresses the operational realities of policing elections while safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process,” Adejobi said.
He noted that Mr. Itodo commended the police for improved security during recent off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“The proactive strategies deployed by the Force have contributed significantly to peaceful and credible polls,” Adejobi quoted Itodo as saying, adding that the activist also lauded Egbetokun’s recent awards as proof of his “commitment to professional policing and reform-driven leadership.”
Adejobi further stated that the IGP, who was supported by Deputy Inspectors-General of Police at the meeting, “expressed appreciation to Senator Yaradua and Yiaga Africa for their advocacy towards a more inclusive and credible electoral system.”
The police chief, he said, assured that the Nigeria Police Force would “continue to partner with stakeholders in ensuring secure, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria.”