2023 Election: It’s Criminal To Use Phones At Polling Units – INEC Reveals

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has sent out a note of warning to Nigerians.

The INEC, on Wednesday cautioned voters against the use of mobile phones at the polling units during Saturday’s election, declaring that it is a criminal offence.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ogun State, Niyi Ijalaye, gave the warning in Abeokuta while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.

According to him, voters would not be allowed to make calls or take photographs with their mobile phones while casting their votes.

Ijalaye further expressed the preparedness of the electoral body to conduct a free, fair and credible election with the support of the various security agencies and other stakeholders.

According to him: “We have been strategising and strategising on the way forward to ensure that elections in Ogun State will be devoid of rancour or violence of any sort whatsoever. We want to appeal to the good people of the Gateway State to endeavour to just come out peacefully on Saturday to exercise their franchise and vote for candidates and parties of their choice.”

Speaking further, he said: “On no account will violence of any sort be tolerated in this state. Maybe I need to emphasise this also that on voting day when people come to the polling booths with their phones when they approach the polling officer and they want to go in with their phones, they will not be allowed to use their phones to discuss with people or take pictures at that polling point where they will be voting. It is an offence, it is a crime and it will not be allowed.”

He added: “We appeal to those people who wish to come there with their phones to, maybe switch it off for that one or two minutes, so that everybody would be seen to be acting within the law.”

On his part, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Frank Mba called on security agents deployed for the election to maintain political neutrality and provide a level playing field for all the political parties.