IGP Exempts INEC From Tinubu’s VIP Police Withdrawal Order
IGP Exempts INEC From Tinubu’s VIP Police Withdrawal Order
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the continued deployment of police officers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), granting the commission an exemption from a presidential directive to withdraw security personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs) and government officials.
Documents obtained indicate that the exemption applies to all National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and INEC directors nationwide. The approval was conveyed in a letter dated January 8, 2026, signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, CP Lateef Adio Ahmed, under the reference number CB:2032/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.5/45. The letter, titled “Appeal for Exemption from Order to Withdraw Police Security Personnel Attached to VIPs,” followed a formal appeal submitted by INEC on December 11, 2025.
The correspondence stated that the IGP had “graciously approved the request contained in the letter under reference,” emphasizing the sensitive nature of the commission’s constitutional responsibilities, including election management, and noting past security threats against its officials and facilities.
INEC confirmed the development in a statement issued on January 19, 2026. The Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, noted that the commission’s appeal was granted due to the critical and sensitive nature of its operations. “Consequent upon the above, I am pleased to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has graciously approved the request,” the statement read, adding that a copy of the formal approval was provided to INEC for records.
Earlier, on November 27, 2025, the IGP had justified the broader withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection as a security strategy approved by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen grassroots policing and ensure public safety. At that time, the IGP explained that over 11,500 officers had been redeployed to critical areas across the country to enhance frontline policing, intelligence operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to emerging threats. He emphasized that the withdrawal was operational and not politically motivated, designed to ensure security resources were prioritized for vulnerable communities.
The recent exemption for INEC officials highlights the commission’s unique security requirements in the lead-up to elections, distinguishing it from other VIPs and government officials who remain subject to the withdrawal directive.
