INEC Assures Readiness for Edo State Governorship Election Amidst Heightened Security Measures

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its preparedness for the Edo State governorship election set for September 21, 2024. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City on Wednesday, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu reassured attendees that the commission has made significant progress in its preparations. He urged all political parties and candidates to foster a peaceful atmosphere by discouraging their supporters from engaging in violence.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also addressed the meeting, announcing that 35,000 police personnel would be deployed to ensure security during the election. Egbetokun emphasized that the Edo State Security Network, a state-owned security group, has been banned from participating in the election, and warned that no other private or state-owned security organizations would be permitted to operate during the event.

Prof. Yakubu highlighted that INEC has completed 11 out of 13 planned activities for the election, with the remaining steps being the conclusion of political campaigns on September 19 and the election itself. He also provided an update on voter registration, noting that Edo State now has 2,629,025 registered voters. The most recent registration drive added 184,438 new and transferred Permanent Voter Cards, including 119,206 for new voters and 65,232 for transfers or reprints.

The commission has accredited 134 observer groups—124 domestic and 10 international—as well as over 700 journalists from 114 media outlets to cover the election. Thousands of party agents have also been accredited to oversee proceedings at 4,519 polling units and collation centers.

Security remains a central focus, with Yakubu confirming that police and other security agencies are prepared to protect election officials, voters, and ensure the integrity of the voting process. The IGP assured that the police would work in coordination with other security agencies to uphold the Electoral Act and provide a secure environment for the election.

Written by: Blossom kugbere.

Likes:
0 0
Views:
32
Article Categories:
State

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *