Edo State Governorship Election: INEC, Security Agencies Gear Up for Credible Poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies are intensifying preparations for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. With just days to the poll, stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
INEC Deploys Sensitive Materials
INEC officials and security personnel have begun distributing sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, to secure storage facilities across the state. The commission has confirmed that over 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) devices will be deployed for the election. This move aims to guarantee the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Security Measures
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed 35,000 officers to ensure security during the election, with an additional 8,000 personnel expected to join from other security agencies. The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, assured that drones, helicopters, and other equipment have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. DIG Frank Mba will lead the police team, supported by Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police.
PDP Alleges Bias
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns about potential bias by INEC and security agencies. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that some INEC officials plan to compromise the election by giving result sheets to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged INEC and security agencies to guarantee a free and fair election.
APC, LP React
The APC described Governor Obaseki’s N1 billion grant promise to market women as an “inducement” and “trick” to deceive voters. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata campaign team emphasized that the LP is the right party to take Edo State to the next level.
Stakeholders’ Reactions
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed concerns about INEC’s neutrality, citing the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner’s close ties to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. HURIWA also alleged police bias towards the APC.
Presidential Candidate Peter Obi’s Appeal Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi urged security agencies and INEC to ensure a credible poll. He emphasized that the LP would fix federal roads connected to the state without waiting for federal government intervention.
Accord Party Candidate’s Assurance
Dr. Bright Enabulele, the Accord Party candidate, reaffirmed his status as the authentic candidate and urged aggrieved individuals to seek redress in court.
Athena Centre’s Post-Election Audit
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership will conduct a comprehensive post-election audit, deploying 100 ad-hoc staff and volunteers to digitize results from INEC’s IReV platform.
Youth Engagement
The Athena Centre’s Chancellor, Osita Chidoka, encouraged Edo voters, especially youths, to participate actively in the election, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, rejecting vote-buying and violence, and holding electoral officers accountable.
