Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, the first batch of the 35,000 police officers deployed to maintain law and order has arrived in the state.In addition, soldiers, officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are on the ground as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful election.
Seventeen political parties have fielded candidates for the election, with the leading contenders being Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
The Defence Headquarters clarified that the deployment of military personnel is aimed at providing a secure environment for voters during the election.
In an interview with the press, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the military would take necessary measures to ensure the election proceeds without violence.
He said, “During elections, troops are tasked with providing security to encourage high voter turnout and safeguard the electorate.
The Edo election will be no exception, and the military is committed to ensuring a peaceful, hitch-free election in Edo State.”
