Our reporter
With the Edo State governorship election fast approaching on September 21, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has declared that quasi-security outfits will be prohibited from participating in the election’s security arrangements.
Speaking at the Edo Election Security Townhall, which was organised by Channels Television, the Kimpact Development Initiative, and the UK International Development, Egbetokun stressed that only police and other authorised security agencies will be deployed to ensure a peaceful voting process.
He issued a stern warning, stating that any individual found carrying weapons on election day would be arrested immediately and treated as an armed criminal.
Egbetokun assured voters of a secure and fair election, free from interference by unauthorized groups. Supporting the IGP’s statement, Deputy Inspector General of Police Frank Mba noted that both tradition and the Electoral Act explicitly prevent vigilantes and quasi-security organizations from being involved in elections.
The ban includes local outfits like the Edo State Security Network and other similar groups, according to Channels Television.
The announcement comes amidst rising political tension in Edo State. Since January, there have been 95 reported cases of violence, with 35 incidents tied to electoral activities, raising concerns about security in the upcoming vote.
The Edo governorship election is shaping up as a heated contest among three major candidates: Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
More than 2.6 million registered voters will be participating in this election, one of eight off-season governorship polls being held due to legal challenges.
Authorities are working to ensure the election proceeds smoothly, with security remaining a top priority to avoid disruptions or violence.
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