Ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election on September 21, 2024, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has declared that quasi-security organizations will not be allowed to partake in securing the election. The IGP made this clear during the Edo Election Security Townhall event, organized by Channels Television in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative and the UK International Development.
IGP Egbetokun emphasized that only the Nigerian Police and other legitimate security agencies would be responsible for maintaining order during the election. He assured the public that the police would maintain impartiality and professionalism while providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. He also warned that individuals carrying any form of weapon on election day would be treated as armed criminals.
The IGP’s stance implies that state-run and private security outfits, including the Edo State Security Network, will not be involved in securing the election. This decision aligns with previous election protocols, where only authorized law enforcement agencies are allowed to operate. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, further reiterated that by law, vigilantes and other quasi-security groups are prohibited from participating in election activities, in line with the Electoral Act.
This comes at a critical time as Edo State gears up for what many analysts have described as a highly competitive election. The race has been dominated by three main candidates: Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
Asue Ighodalo, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has received the endorsement of the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki. This endorsement came despite Obaseki’s deputy, Philip Shaibu, being a party member, which has led to significant political tension within the PDP. Meanwhile, Monday Okpebholo of the APC enjoys the backing of former governor Adams Oshiomhole and Philip Shaibu, who have both pledged their support for his candidacy. Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has emerged as a strong contender for the Labour Party.
The political atmosphere in Edo State has been tense for the past year, with frequent reports of electoral violence. Since January 2024, there have been 95 reported incidents of violence, including 35 cases directly related to the upcoming election. Despite these challenges, Egbetokun has promised to ensure a peaceful election process and peaceful outcomes.
In an effort to reduce violence, 16 political parties signed a peace accord last week. However, the PDP notably declined to sign, further escalating the political tension. Security remains a top concern, but IGP Egbetokun’s assurance of maintaining law and order offers some hope that the election will proceed without major disruptions.
Over 2.6 million registered voters from Edo’s 18 local government areas are expected to cast their votes in this off-season election, making it a significant political event. Edo is one of the eight states in Nigeria that conduct governorship elections off-cycle due to previous litigation and court rulings. Other states with off-season elections include Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Osun, and Ondo.
With political stakes high and tensions brewing, the focus will be on how well security agencies manage the electoral process and whether peace can be maintained. The outcome of this election will shape the future leadership of Edo State and possibly influence political dynamics across Nigeria.
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