The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has prohibited its personnel from escorting politicians during campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, directing officers deployed to campaign venues to concentrate on traffic management and road safety.

The directive was issued by Assistant Corps Marshal Abimbola Owolabi, Zonal Commanding Officer for RS6, during her maiden visit to the Cross River State Command in Calaba.

Owolabi warned that FRSC patrol vehicles and sirens must not be used for political activities or private engagements, including wedding ceremonies and funeral processions.

She stressed that personnel assigned to campaign venues must focus exclusively on traffic control to prevent congestion and road traffic crashes, rather than providing escorts for political figures or leading campaign convoys.

The directive comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, when campaign rallies and large convoys could place additional pressure on roads in major cities and communities.

Owolabi also warned officers against the unauthorised use of official vehicles, stressing the need for discipline and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

Beyond the restrictions on political escorts, the zonal commander cautioned personnel against extortion, corruption and other forms of unprofessional conduct, noting that such behaviour could undermine public confidence in the Corps.

She urged officers to exercise professionalism and discretion when dealing with motorists, particularly in volatile situations where confrontations could escalate into violence. She also advised them to prioritise their personal safety during enforcement operations.

The commander called for stronger collaboration with private operators to ensure that broken-down vehicles were promptly removed from highways and traffic obstructions cleared. She further emphasised the importance of effective emergency response, rescue operations and intensified patrols to reduce road crashes and fatalities.

The FRSC plays a key role in traffic management and road safety during major public events. Its personnel are also deployed during elections to help maintain traffic flow, clear road obstructions and support emergency response operations.

In 2022, ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Corps similarly directed its commanding officers to ensure political neutrality among personnel and prevent them from participating in political campaigns or piloting political convoys.

The latest directive reinforces the distinction between the Corps’ traffic-management responsibilities and political campaign activities as Nigeria prepares for another general election.

For the public, effective implementation will be important in ensuring that campaign activities do not unnecessarily disrupt traffic, compromise road safety or interfere with the movement of other road users.

FRSC bars personnel from escorting politicians during the 2027 election campaigns, directing officers to prioritise traffic control, road safety and emergency response.