A significant deployment of security personnel, including soldiers, was observed across the borders of Edo State with Kogi, Delta, Ondo, and Anambra states on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming governorship election in the state.
Approximately 100 operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were also stationed in the state to prevent vote-buying during the election. The EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Director, Adebayo Adeniyi, is leading the anti-graft agency’s team.
A total of 17 political parties are contesting in the election, with key contenders including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata.
Military and police detachments were positioned across key areas in Benin City, such as Akpapava Road, Ring Road, and Sapele Road, as part of efforts to maintain security. However, residents continued their daily activities as the security presence did not disrupt commercial life, particularly at Oba Market and other major commercial centers.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, explained that the deployment is intended to ensure a smooth and secure election process. Mba noted that collaboration with other security agencies, including the Army, Navy, and other organizations, will strengthen the security framework, especially in the border areas and on the waterways.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun deploying over 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) and other sensitive materials to the 18 local government areas of the state. These materials, critical to the election, were distributed from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s premises in Benin, where electoral officers and security personnel oversaw the process.
State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum, confirmed that all sensitive materials, including result sheets and voting forms, were dispatched to their respective destinations. He also noted that the electoral preparations are nearly complete, with 12 out of 13 key INEC programs already executed.
The governorship election is set to take place on Saturday, and political campaigning officially concluded on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
