Tinubu Order Ignored By Abuja IGP On Private Security
The decision emerged in Abuja after the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, approved the continued deployment of police escorts to top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, despite an earlier presidential order on security withdrawal.
The approval affects all national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners across the states, directors of the commission and the acting head of the Electoral Institute.
Internal police documents show the clearance was formally issued in early January following a request from INEC leadership.
The move came after the commission appealed to the police high command, citing the nature of its constitutional duties and repeated attacks on electoral officers and facilities during past election cycles. INEC argued that its officials face unique risks that require constant protection.
President Bola Tinubu had previously ordered the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs and government officials, a step aimed at reducing abuse of police escorts and strengthening security at community level.
The directive led to the redeployment of thousands of officers to frontline duties nationwide.
While the police leadership has maintained that the withdrawal policy remains in force, the exemption granted to INEC officials shows that special considerations are being applied to institutions linked to election management, a development that has sparked debate over how far the directive truly extends.
