As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, tensions are rising between Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. The dispute centers around allegations of police bias and the handling of security arrangements for the election.
DISPUTE OVER POLICE BIAS
Governor Obaseki and PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi have accused the police of bias against the PDP. They claim that recent actions by the police, including the arrest and detention of PDP members, suggest favoritism towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) and create an unfair environment for the election.
Obaseki expressed doubts about signing the Peace Accord due to what he perceives as the police’s partiality. He criticized the IGP for allegedly allowing or encouraging police actions that disadvantage the PDP, citing instances of arrested PDP members being taken to Abuja instead of being tried locally.
Aziegbemi echoed these concerns, accusing Edo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and Commissioner of Police of being closely associated with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a known political figure. He argued that these affiliations could compromise the fairness of the election.
SECURITY MEASURES FOR THE ELECTION
IGP Egbetokun responded by defending the police’s neutrality. He emphasized that 35,000 policemen, along with 8,000 personnel from other security agencies, will be deployed across Edo State to ensure a safe and orderly election. Egbetokun assured that all entry and exit points would be monitored, and movement would be restricted between 6 am and 6 pm on election day.
He also announced that security aides attached to VIPs would be withdrawn and reiterated that any election offenses would be dealt with according to the law.
INEC’S PREPARATIONS AND PVC COLLECTION
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, provided an update on the electoral process. He confirmed that 11 of 13 pre-election activities were completed and announced an extension for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from September 13 to 15. INEC has accredited 134 groups to observe the election and 114 media organizations to cover it.
Yakubu also noted that adjustments were made to the final list of candidates based on court rulings, including replacing running mates and adding parties to the ballot.
CALLS FOR REC REDEPLOYMENT
The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has called for the redeployment of Edo REC Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, citing concerns about his previous affiliations with Nyesom Wike and potential biases. They urged INEC to address these concerns to prevent an electoral crisis.
As the election draws near, the heightened scrutiny and allegations of bias underscore the intense political atmosphere in Edo State.