The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Wednesday that a total of 35,000 police officers will be deployed across Edo State for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21.
In addition, 8,000 personnel from other security agencies, including the armed forces and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will support the police in maintaining security during the election.
Egbetokun, who spoke during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirmed that all security aides assigned to VIPs would be withdrawn to ensure neutrality and proper security management on Election Day.
The meeting, which was part of the preparations for the election, was attended by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, representatives from the 17 participating political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
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Egbetokun also mentioned that local security outfits like the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), established by the state government, would remain suspended during the election. He warned that any individual caught violating election laws would face the full extent of the law.
Furthermore, he announced that entry and exit points in the state would be manned, with movement restrictions between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Election Day.
INEC Chairman Yakubu revealed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was in Edo to oversee the signing of a peace pact between the political candidates on Thursday. He emphasized the commission’s readiness for the election, having completed 11 out of the 13 scheduled activities, including the finalization of candidates’ lists.
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Yakubu added that INEC had made some last-minute adjustments to the final list of candidates due to court judgments, bringing the total number of participating political parties from 17 to 18. He also noted that 184,438 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been issued following the conclusion of the voter registration process in Edo State.
In preparation for the election, INEC accredited 134 observer groups, including both domestic and international organizations, who will deploy 1,836 observers across the state. Additionally, 114 media outlets were accredited, with 721 journalists set to cover the event.
Both the IGP and the INEC chairman called for peaceful conduct from political leaders and their supporters, pledging that the election would be free, fair, and transparent.