The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun distributing sensitive materials to all 18 local government areas in Edo State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21. The distribution started on Thursday 18th September at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises in Benin City.
Before dispatch, representatives from various political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and security agencies inspected the materials. State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Onuoha Anugbum emphasized that this process is crucial for ensuring a smooth election. “We are moving out sensitive materials to the local government areas today, and we anticipate a seamless conduct of the September 21 governorship election in Edo,” he stated, assuring that all materials would arrive at INEC's local offices by the end of Thursday. They will then be transported to Registration Area Centres (RAC) on Friday.
However, as the election approaches, Yiaga Africa, a leading civil society organization, has identified eight local government areas as hotspots for potential violence. At a press conference in Benin, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Chair of the 2024 Edo Election Mission for Yiaga Africa, expressed concerns over the tense political climate marked by intimidation and violent tactics during the campaign period.
The identified hotspots include Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan East, Etsako West, and Etsako East. Abdullahi warned that the prevalence of cult groups and political thugs, coupled with the proliferation of small arms, poses a serious threat to the electoral process. “There is a risk that violence and intimidation will be used to suppress voters in specific polling units and local government areas,” she noted.
To mitigate these risks, Abdullahi called for a strategic and neutral deployment of security personnel in these volatile areas. “The security environment in these LGAs necessitates careful planning and coordination to ensure the safety of voters and the integrity of the election,” she added.
