Police restrict movement in Lafia for Tinubu's APC rally on Wednesday
- Nasarawa police have announced traffic diversions and movement restrictions in parts of Lafia for Wednesday's APC presidential rally.
- The rally coincides with President Bola Tinubu's visit and is expected to draw dignitaries and party supporters from across the country.
- The Commissioner of Police urged residents to stay calm, plan their journeys and avoid restricted areas without legitimate business.
Residents of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, will face temporary traffic diversions and movement restrictions on Wednesday, November 4, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds a presidential campaign rally expected to coincide with a visit by President Bola Tinubu.
The state police command announced the measures in a statement on Tuesday through its spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel. The restrictions will affect selected roads, adjoining streets and strategic points across the Lafia metropolis.
Police said the arrangements are meant to ease the movement of the presidential convoy, manage the expected crowd and keep the President, his entourage, rally participants and other residents safe.
The rally is expected to attract top government officials, political leaders, dignitaries, party members and supporters from different parts of the country.
What it means for residents
Motorists, tricycle operators, commercial motorcycle riders and other road users have been asked to obey traffic rules and follow instructions at diversion points.
Commuters should plan their journeys ahead, allow for possible delays and use alternative routes as directed. Business owners, transport operators and residents in the affected areas were advised to make arrangements for their daily activities.
Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed appealed to residents to remain calm and patient during the security arrangements. He asked people without legitimate business at the rally venue or in restricted security zones to stay away, to prevent overcrowding or security breaches.
The commissioner also called on political stakeholders, party supporters and opposition groups to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any action that could disrupt public order.
Police said adequate personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across the city to maintain law and order, manage traffic and protect lives and property. They also urged residents to report suspicious movements or unattended objects to the nearest police station.
What happens next
The restrictions take effect around Wednesday's rally. The event is part of the APC's activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. In October, the party held a North-Central mobilisation rally in Lafia, hosted by Governor Abdullahi Sule, where governors, ministers and party leaders gathered to back Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima's second-term bid.
