The Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force has thrown its weight behind a proposed bill that would allow police officers and other security personnel to vote ahead of election day.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made this known during a meeting with the sponsor of the Electoral Reform Bill, Senator Abdul-Azeez Yaradua, and a delegation from Yiaga Africa, led by its Executive Director Samson Itodo, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, and other stakeholders in Abuja.

They discussed on ongoing reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws, with a particular focus on the proposed Electoral Reform Bill seeking to enable early voting for police officers and other security personnel deployed on election duty.

The proposed legislation aims to protect the voting rights of security agents who are typically deployed on national duty during elections and often miss the opportunity to cast their votes.

Senator Yaradua presented the draft 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.

Responding, the IGP welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction, not just for operational efficiency, but for upholding the rights of officers serving the nation.

He assured stakeholders of the Force’s readiness to collaborate on reforms that promote inclusive, fair, and secure elections.

Egbetokun expressed appreciation to Senator Yaradua and Yiaga Africa for their advocacy towards a more inclusive and credible electoral system, and assured that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to partner with stakeholders in ensuring secure, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria.

Commending the Nigeria Police for its role in elections in Edo and Ondo States, Itodo lauded the Force’s strategic planning and professionalism, which he said contributed to peaceful and credible polls.

He noted that the proactive strategies deployed by the Force have contributed significantly to peaceful and credible polls.

Itodo also lauded the IGP’s recent awards and recognitions as a testament to his commitment to professional policing and reform-driven leadership.