By Aaior K. Comfort
Ahead of the Edo governorship election scheduled for Saturday, a heavy military presence has been established at the borders with Kogi, Delta, Ondo, and Anambra states. This deployment aims to ensure a secure voting environment.
In addition, around 100 operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been dispatched to monitor for instances of vote-buying during the election. Key candidates include Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party.
Security forces, including soldiers and police, are stationed in critical areas across Benin City. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba emphasized that the deployment is intended to facilitate a peaceful election process.
“The Army will secure the borders, while the Navy will patrol waterways,” he noted. Meanwhile, the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Director, Adebayo Adeniyi, leads the agency’s operations in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun deploying over 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems and other sensitive materials for the election. The distribution, which took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria, was overseen by Edo’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum.
Party officials, including representatives from the APC and PDP, praised the transparency of the material distribution process. Both parties expressed confidence in their candidates’ abilities to lead the state effectively.
As the election approaches, INEC has reminded all political parties that campaigning must cease by midnight Thursday, in line with the Electoral Act 2022. They also urged compliance with rules regarding campaign attire and materials on election day.
In preparation for the vote, the Edo State government declared Friday a work-free day to allow residents to travel to polling locations. With increased police presence and collaboration among security agencies, authorities are optimistic about maintaining order during the election.
Yiaga Africa, a civil society group, has deployed 325 trained observers to monitor the election and detect potential irregularities. The group also warned about the dangers of vote-buying, which they observed during the campaign period.
As tensions rise in certain local government areas known for violence, Yiaga Africa called for strategic security deployments to ensure a smooth election. They highlighted the importance of voter turnout and integrity, urging citizens to resist attempts at manipulation and coercion.
The Christian Association of Nigeria’s Edo chapter held prayers for a peaceful election, reinforcing the community’s commitment to a democratic process.