Edo Guber Election: Security Beefs Up Ahead Sept 21 Polls

By Stephen Asaba-ase

With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election, heavy security presence has been reported in Benin, the state capital. The deployment of security personnel from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) aims to ensure law and order.

Key Developments:

1. Security Deployment*: 35,000 police officers, 6,433 NSCDC personnel, and soldiers have been deployed to maintain security.

2. INEC Caution*: Political parties have been warned against open campaigns 24 hours before the election, as prohibited by Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.

3. Distribution of Materials*: INEC has commenced distribution of sensitive materials to 18 local government areas.

4. Prayer Session*: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session for peaceful elections.

5. Work-Free Day*: The state government has declared Friday a work-free day to facilitate travel to voting areas.

6. Flashpoints Identified*: Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society Organisation, has identified eight local government areas as potential flashpoints for violence.

Flashpoint Areas:

1. Ikpoba/Okha

2. Oredo

3. Egor

4. Ovia South-West

5. Ovia North-East

6. Esan South-East

7. Etsako West

8. Etsako East

Concerns:

1. Vote buying

2. Violence

3. Electoral malpractices

Pre-Election Measures:

1. Strict security measures

2. Deployment of security personnel

3. Distribution of sensitive materials

4. Public awareness campaigns

The Edo State governorship election is scheduled to be held on Saturday.