Ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for September 21, 2024, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated that quasi-security outfits will not be permitted to participate in election security.
Speaking during the Edo Election Security Townhall, hosted by Channels Television in collaboration with Kimpact Development Initiative and the UK International Development, the IGP emphasized the impartiality and professionalism of the police force during the election.
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“We will provide a level playing ground for all political parties and candidates,” Egbetokun stated, adding that only the police and other recognized security agencies will be deployed for election duties.
He warned against the use of violence, stressing that any individuals found with offensive weapons would be treated as armed criminals.
The IGP’s stance effectively bars organizations such as the Edo State Security Network and other private-run security outfits from being involved in election security on the day of the polls.
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Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba supported the IGP’s comments, highlighting that, according to the Electoral Act, vigilantes and other non-official security personnel are prohibited from taking part in elections.
He affirmed that any quasi-security officers attempting to operate during the election will face arrest.
Tensions in Edo State have been running high in recent months, with 95 reported cases of violence, including 35 incidents of electoral-related violence, recorded since January.
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In a significant move last week, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign a peace accord that was agreed upon by 16 other political parties contesting the election.
The upcoming election is widely seen as a competitive three-horse race, with Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) as the leading candidates.
Akpata, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, will face off against Ighodalo, a former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, who has received the backing of current governor Godwin Obaseki.
The governor notably overlooked his deputy, Philip Shaibu, while Shaibu and former governor Adams Oshiomhole have thrown their support behind Okpebholo.
Over 2.6 million registered voters across 18 local government areas in Edo State are expected to participate in this off-season election, one of eight such elections held due to legal disputes and court rulings, alongside states like Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ondo.
