.INEC Warns Parties Against Wearing Campaign Attire at Polling Stations •Begins Distribution of Election Materials
Less than 48 hours before the Edo State governorship election, there is a noticeable increase in police presence in Benin, the state capital. The heavy deployment of security personnel, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has led to traffic congestion in some areas, with officers stationed at key locations throughout the city.
Earlier, the police deployed an initial batch of 35,000 officers to maintain law and order. Additional personnel from the NSCDC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have also been mobilized to ensure a peaceful election. On Wednesday, the NSCDC deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters confirmed the presence of soldiers to safeguard the electoral process.
Some of the security personnel were seen stationed around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, with others awaiting deployment to different parts of the state. In a show of force, security agents have been patrolling the state capital.
Meanwhile, INEC has warned political parties to adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, which prohibits campaigning within 24 hours of the election. A statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, emphasized compliance with Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022, which bans rallies, processions, and media campaigns during this period.
In preparation for the election, INEC commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to the state’s 18 local government areas on Thursday. Onuoha Anugbum, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, confirmed the distribution from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Benin, with vehicles ready to transport the materials to various locations.
In a separate event, the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin for the peaceful conduct of the election. CAN’s state chairman, Apostle Omoike, emphasized the importance of electing a candidate who embodies integrity and respect for traditional institutions.
Additionally, the Edo State government declared Friday a work-free day to allow workers and voters to travel to their polling areas ahead of the election. Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, reassured the public that necessary security measures had been put in place for a smooth election.
Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), identified eight local government areas in Edo as potential flashpoints for violence. The group urged security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to these areas and ensure action against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.
