- INEC Confirms Readiness, Urges Peaceful Conduct by Parties
- Grants 3-Day PVC Collection Extension
- 35,000 Police Personnel to Secure Elections, IGP Assures Neutrality
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER - As the Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024, approaches, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to political actors, supporters, and voters, urging them to play by the rules or face the full weight of the law. Speaking at the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City on Wednesday, Egbetokun emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and other laws governing Nigeria's electoral process.
The IGP, while pledging police neutrality and professionalism, announced a ban on all local security groups in Edo State, including the Edo State Security Corp, until further notice. He stressed that only security agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would handle election security, warning that any unauthorized groups would face immediate arrest and prosecution.
“We will ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the law during this election,” Egbetokun said. “Our approach to election security is grounded in neutrality, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”
Security Preparations and Threats Assessment
To ensure smooth conduct, Egbetokun revealed that 35,000 police officers would be deployed across the state, alongside an additional 80,000 personnel from the armed forces and other security agencies. The IGP further reassured the public that entry and exit points to the state would be secured, and movement restrictions would be imposed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day.
“Our extensive deployment is intended to ensure the safety and security of voters and to protect the integrity of the election,” Egbetokun stated. “We have conducted thorough threat analyses, and we are engaging continuously with political parties and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful process.”
INEC's Preparedness and Final Activities
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed confidence in the commission’s readiness to conduct the election. He confirmed that 11 out of the 13 statutory activities leading up to the election had been completed, with only two remaining: the conclusion of campaigns and Election Day itself.
Yakubu outlined the logistical arrangements, including the deployment of Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for voter authentication and the use of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for results upload. He assured stakeholders that INEC had made every preparation for a credible election, from voter registration to the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“I urge political parties to restrain their supporters from violence and to set an example of peaceful conduct in their campaigns,” Yakubu said. He also reminded candidates of the upcoming Peace Accord, scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2024, under the supervision of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
INEC Grants PVC Collection Extension
Following an appeal by stakeholders during the interactive meeting, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by an additional three days. The extension, which runs from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15, 2024, aims to allow more eligible voters to pick up their cards ahead of the election.
According to a press release issued by INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the collection will be available at all 18 Local Government offices in Edo State from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Olumekun urged all registered voters who have yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of the extended period, adding that no collection by proxy would be allowed.
A Call for Peace and Credible Elections
Both the IGP and INEC Chairman emphasized the critical importance of the Edo governorship election, not only for the state but also for the nation and international observers. With 18 political parties contesting and over 2.6 million registered voters, the election is seen as a litmus test for the country’s electoral integrity.
Egbetokun warned potential troublemakers against any attempts to undermine the process, stating, “The security forces will not tolerate political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism. Any act to disrupt the election will be met with swift and decisive action.”
With both INEC and the security forces fully mobilized, all eyes are now on Edo State, as stakeholders hope for a peaceful and credible election that reflects the will of the people.
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