As the 2024 Edo State governorship election unfolds, all eyes are on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Police Force, and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible process. The election has been marked by heightened tensions following violent campaigns, allegations of federal interference, and fears of potential electoral misconduct.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of using “federal might” and the police to intimidate voters and secure victory. The PDP has raised concerns about the arrests of its leaders across the state, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to release those detained and halt the alleged harassment of its members. The party also called for the redeployment of Edo State’s Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, and Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Onuoha Anugbum, citing their alleged links to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
On the other side, the APC has demanded that those involved in the killing of a police officer assigned to its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhelo, be arrested. The APC claims that the culprits are still roaming freely and have threatened further violence during the election. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, however, insists that the police are wrongly accusing innocent people, urging them to conduct a thorough investigation.
Rising Concerns Over Violence and Vote Buying
Election watchdog Yiaga Africa has expressed concerns over the possibility of violence in several local government areas (LGAs), including Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West, and Etsako East. The group warned that the election is taking place in a volatile political environment, exacerbated by economic hardship and widespread distrust in the electoral process.
Dr. Aisha Abdulahi, the chairperson of Yiaga Africa’s Edo 2024 Election Mission, highlighted the proliferation of political thugs, cult groups, and small arms as potential threats to the election’s credibility. She also raised concerns about voter inducement and vote-buying, which she said are prevalent in various parts of the state, involving most political parties.
“Politicians may tactically employ violence and intimidation to suppress voters in specific polling units and LGAs. Armed groups may disrupt the deployment of election materials to influence the outcome,” Abdulahi warned.
INEC and Security Agencies Under Scrutiny
The spotlight is once again on INEC and the police, both of which have faced criticism for their roles in past elections. INEC, in particular, has been accused of colluding with politicians to undermine the will of the people, a claim that has persisted through several election cycles. Reports from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) highlighted significant irregularities during the 2019 general elections, including security personnel actively disrupting the collation process in states such as Rivers and Lagos.
In addition to past controversies, INEC was criticized for its failure to transmit the 2023 presidential election results in real-time, despite promising to do so. This lapse fueled doubts about the integrity of the electoral process and raised questions about whether the commission can deliver a free and fair election in Edo State.
As polling day approaches, the commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely delivery of materials, seamless voting procedures, and accurate result collation. However, the success of the election hinges on how well INEC and security agencies address 17 critical factors that could jeopardize the process. These factors include the late arrival of election officials, malfunctioning accreditation tools, ballot box snatching, vote buying, and the presence of political thugs at polling units.
Will Security Agencies Uphold Neutrality?
The role of the police and other security agencies is also under intense scrutiny. Many Nigerians fear that security personnel could be used to intimidate voters, shield political thugs, or turn a blind eye to vote-buying and other electoral offenses. The deployment of security forces will be crucial in determining whether the election is conducted fairly and without bias.
As Edo residents prepare to cast their votes, the question remains: Will INEC and the security agencies live up to their promises and ensure a transparent and peaceful election? The outcome of today’s poll could set a precedent for future elections in Nigeria, and the world is watching closely.
