Gubernatorial Elections: Police Condemn Proposed Use Of Dogs By Voters At Polling Units

Against the backdrop that some electorates have vowed to deployed their dogs to polling units on Saturday during the gubernatorial election following various attacks by thugs during the Presidential election, the Nigeria Police Force has kicked against such plans.

In a statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the force, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in Abuja that the force has deemed it necessary to educate and caution Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs, at the polling units on election day.

Explaining that such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended, he cited a section of the act that pointed out that the provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.

“Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others. The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various States, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite.

“The conceived ideas and plans by certain individuals, electorates, and groups of people to go to the polls accompanied by pets are unacceptable, stand discouraged, and remain an act of electoral infraction as it would cause harassment and intimidation.

CSP Adejobi further warned that those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.