As Edo State gears up for the governorship election, the three major political parties—Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC)—alongside the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and former President Goodluck Jonathan, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure credible elections.
Rising Fears of Violence
Concerns over potential violence have intensified, especially after clashes between suspected thugs during the distribution of sensitive election materials by INEC. In Etsako Local Government Area, protesting youths and women gathered at the Palace of the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, demanding the release of arrested PDP leaders.
Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, expressed concerns about potential violence in eight local government areas, including Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South-West, and others. The group warned of high stakes, potential violence, and logistical challenges in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has deployed personnel to Edo State to monitor police conduct during the election. They issued strict warnings to officers and provided contact numbers for the public to report any misconduct.
Political Parties Voice Their Expectations
With campaigns concluded, the PDP, APC, and LP have expressed confidence in their chances of victory, emphasizing the need for a credible process. Kelly Ogbaloi, the Edo State Chairman of LP, emphasized the importance of neutrality from INEC and security agencies, urging voters to conduct themselves appropriately and expect the election process to reflect their will.
PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, commended INEC for timely material distribution but urged the police to step up their game to ensure the safety of election materials. He expressed confidence in a peaceful election day, with voters eager to cast their votes early.
APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, called on the police to arrest suspects implicated in the recent killing of a police inspector. He underscored the importance of a fair election, warning that any attempt to incite trouble would be met with resistance.
Yiaga Africa Highlights Security Concerns and Vote Buying
Yiaga Africa highlighted the volatile atmosphere in Edo State, pointing to the presence of cult groups, political thugs, and the proliferation of arms. They identified eight LGAs as hotspots for violence and urged security forces to maintain neutrality. The group also raised alarms over widespread vote buying, noting that voter inducement could compromise the integrity of the election.
CAN and Diaspora Group Call for Peace
The Edo State Chapter of CAN held an intercessory prayer session, urging voters to elect a credible candidate and maintain peace. Apostle Irepkono Omoike, the CAN Chairman, emphasized the need for a leader who embodies integrity and respect for the people.
Edo Concerned Citizens Worldwide, a diaspora group, also called for neutrality from all election actors. They urged international bodies like the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS to ensure that democratic principles are upheld during the election.
Police and Security Preparations
The PSC has deployed high-ranking officials to monitor police activities in Edo State. DIG Taiwo Lakanu, who leads the mission, charged police officers to be civil yet firm in enforcing electoral laws, stressing that the success of the election largely depends on their conduct.
INEC’s Distribution of Election Materials
INEC began distributing sensitive materials to all 18 LGAs of Edo State from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s premises in Benin City, creating a temporary gridlock in the area. The distribution was supervised by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum.
Protests Over Arrests of PDP Leaders
Protests erupted at the Palace of the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom as angry youths and women demanded the release of PDP leaders detained by the police. Etsako LGA Chairman, Princess Benedicta Attoh, condemned the arrests and called on security agencies to maintain neutrality.
Ighodalo Ends Campaign, Urges Vigilance
PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo officially concluded his campaign, urging voters to turn out en masse and remain vigilant to safeguard their votes. He thanked Edo residents for their support and emphasized the need for a peaceful and transparent election.
Jonathan Calls for Credibility in the Electoral Process
Former President Goodluck Jonathan called for a credible election, stressing that INEC and the police have a moral duty to ensure a fair process. He warned that loss of confidence in the electoral system could lead to increased political disputes and social unrest.
State Declares Work-Free Day
To facilitate travel for voters, the Edo State Government declared the day before the election a work-free day, reassuring citizens of adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful process.
NGO Launches App to Combat Gender-Based Violence
Big Family360, a non-governmental organization, launched the SmartRR mobile app to report Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the election. The app allows victims to connect with service providers and aims to reduce violence against vulnerable groups during the election period.
As the election draws near, stakeholders continue to stress the need for peace, transparency, and a process that reflects the true will of the people.
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