• INEC Vows Free, Fair Election as EFCC, Military Join Forces to Secure Edo Polls
• Over 2.6 Million Voters to Decide New Governor as Tinubu Urges Peaceful Process
• Top Candidates Face-Off in Heated Battle; Security Agencies Vow Impartiality
• Police Ban VIP Escorts, Enforce Restrictions to Ensure Order During Polling
From Benin to Auchi, Ekpoma, and across various towns and villages in Edo State, tension gripped residents as they braced for today’s governorship election. The streets saw heightened security as armed police and soldiers patrolled to prevent any disturbances, while the Defence Headquarters confirmed the strategic deployment of troops to bolster order.
The Edo election has sparked intense interest as it pits three major candidates—Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP)—against each other in a contest that is widely expected to be closely fought.
Security Forces Warn of Crackdown on Violence
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, banned security escorts for VIPs and enforced vehicular restrictions across the state. “All movements will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, except for essential services,” said Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi
Egbetokun emphasized the police’s commitment to providing special attention to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly, ensuring that polling units are accessible to all citizens. Additionally, DIG Frank Mba, overseeing election security, urged citizens to report suspicious activities and avoid prank calls, which may obstruct critical security operations.
Tinubu Calls for Respect of the Democratic Process
President Bola Tinubu appealed to Edo’s citizens and political parties to respect the democratic process and allow voters to decide their future leaders without interference. “The future of Edo State lies in the hands of its people. I trust that they will make informed decisions,” said Tinubu in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
He praised the leading candidates for focusing their campaigns on pressing issues, including economic growth and improved livelihoods, and urged all parties to maintain civility during the election.
INEC: Committed to Free and Fair Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reassured voters that they are committed to conducting a fair election. INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, insisted that integrity remains their guiding principle. “I cannot take a bribe, no matter the amount,” she stated, vowing to ensure that the election is free from manipulation.
APC, PDP, and LP Clash Over Rigging Allegations
Meanwhile, tensions between political parties escalated with allegations of rigging attempts. The PDP accused the APC of plotting to compromise electoral materials. Crusoe Osagie, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s media adviser, claimed that certain APC members were planning to manipulate results.
However, Kassim Afegbua, spokesperson for the APC Campaign Council, dismissed these claims, labeling them as desperate tactics. “This is nothing more than a fabrication by those who know they are losing the race,” he countered.
Drama Surrounding Candidates as Election Day Nears
In the final hours leading up to the election, both Okpebholo and Akpata faced media scrutiny. Okpebholo, the APC candidate, was the subject of a viral false court ruling circulating on social media, claiming his disqualification from the race. The APC swiftly debunked this, calling it “a desperate act of misinformation by opponents.”
Akpata, the LP candidate, also denied rumors of stepping down from the election. “I am still very much in this race. This is a calculated attempt by political miscreants to deceive voters,” Akpata declared in response to the rumors.
Voter Surge Expected in Edo Central
Traffic to Edo Central swelled on the eve of the election, as citizens from the region, home to both the APC and PDP candidates, flocked to polling units. “This election is crucial for us,” said one voter, Inegbedion Usuagba, stressing that the region had been marginalized in the state’s political scene for 25 years.
EFCC Targets Vote-Buying, Flashpoints Identified
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been deployed to polling units to prevent vote-buying. The commission has reiterated its commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also identified 60 potential flashpoints for violence and deployed personnel to safeguard these areas.
As the state gears up for what is expected to be a hotly contested election, all eyes will be on INEC, the security agencies, and the conduct of the candidates and their supporters.
