Election Day Safety: Staying Safe While Exercising Your Right

While elections in Nigeria have become safer over the years, it is still important to plan for your safety. Here are practical tips for staying safe on election day.

Before Election Day

1. Know your route — Plan how you will get to your polling unit. Identify alternative routes in case of roadblocks or disruptions.
2. Charge your phone — Ensure your phone is fully charged. You may need it for emergencies or to report incidents.
3. Tell someone your plans — Let a family member or friend know which polling unit you are going to and when you expect to return.
4. Avoid carrying valuables — Leave expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, and other valuables at home.
5. Prepare for movement restrictions — Some states restrict vehicular movement on election day. Plan to walk or confirm exceptions in your area.

At the Polling Unit

1. Stay calm and orderly — Avoid arguments or confrontations with other voters, party agents, or officials.
2. Do not engage in political discussions in the queue — Tempers can flare. Keep your opinions to yourself until you are in the privacy of the voting cubicle.
3. Do not respond to provocations — If someone tries to start trouble, move away and alert security personnel.
4. Keep your phone on silent — Avoid drawing attention to yourself.
5. Report suspicious activity — If you see anything unusual (armed individuals, vote buying, intimidation), report to the presiding officer, security, or use this app.

Signs of Trouble

Be alert if you notice:

• Groups of aggressive individuals arriving at the polling unit.
• Sounds of gunshots or explosions in the area.
• INEC officials behaving irregularly (e.g., pre-filling ballots, refusing legitimate voters).
• Unknown persons attempting to disrupt the queue or scatter voters.

If Violence Breaks Out

1. Leave the area immediately — Your safety is more important than your vote.
2. Do not run toward the source of conflict — Move in the opposite direction.
3. Do not try to be a hero — Let security personnel handle the situation.
4. Call for help — Dial 112 (national emergency number) or contact local police.
5. Report the incident — Once safe, report what happened through this app's Incident Reporting feature, to INEC, or to election observers.

After Voting

• If you stay for the count, leave before it gets too dark, especially if your area has security concerns.
• Travel in groups if possible.
• Avoid gathering at political rallies or result-listening centers where crowds may gather — these can become flashpoints.

Your life is more important than any election. Vote safely, stay alert, and look out for your fellow citizens.