The Police Command in Kano State has announced a restriction of movement in Dawakin Kudu. The restriction applies on Saturday, 19 September 2026. It runs from 12:00 am to 5:00 pm. The measure is to ensure a peaceful, credible and hitch-free by-election. The by-election is for the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency.
By-elections in Nigeria often attract violence. In 2023, by-elections in several states recorded thuggery, vote-buying and ballot snatching. In 2024, the police imposed restrictions in parts of Lagos and Rivers during re-run elections. Kano has a history of competitive politics. The state is an APC stronghold but the NNPP controls the government. The Dawakin Kudu by-election is a test of both parties’ machinery. The police are taking no chances.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, directed that only those on essential duties with valid identification be allowed to move during the restriction period. These include INEC officials, accredited observers, medical personnel, firefighters and accredited journalists. Escorts attached to VIPs, political office holders and government functionaries are barred from accompanying their principals to polling units and collation centres.
No quasi-security outfit, vigilance group or voluntary organisation is allowed to participate in election security or loiter around polling units. No person will be allowed to carry arms or dangerous weapons within and around the election venues. All forms of vote-buying, vote-selling and political canvassing within the vicinity of polling units are strictly prohibited. All political parties, candidates and supporters are enjoined to comply with the Electoral Act 2022 and be law-abiding. Anyone found violating the restriction order or electoral guidelines will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Commissioner appealed to parents and guardians to caution their wards against being used as political thugs. He provided phone numbers for emergencies and to report suspicious activity.
Winners: INEC, which gains a secure environment. Accredited observers and journalists, who can monitor the poll. The police, which demonstrates preparedness. Voters, if the restriction prevents violence. Losers: Political parties, which lose the ability to mobilise on election day. VIPs, who cannot bring escorts. Quasi-security outfits, which are sidelined. Voters who live outside the restricted area or need to travel. Thugs, who face arrest. Anyone planning vote-buying.
Bottom Line: The police restricted movement in Dawakin Kudu. The by-election is a test. If it is peaceful, the model may spread. If violence occurs despite the restrictions, the police will have failed. Kano voters will decide. The police will enforce. The parties will watch.