Benin City, Nigeria — Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the deployment of 35,000 police officers across the state. An additional 8,000 personnel from other security agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the armed forces, will bolster the effort. The sizable deployment underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to a secure and transparent electoral process.
The heightened security measures extend beyond the polling units. As part of an effort to maintain neutrality and discourage interference, all security aides assigned to VIPs—including political figures—will be withdrawn during the election period. “No one, no matter their status, will be above the rules on election day,” Egbetokun said in a statement.
In a further step to ensure neutrality, state-sponsored security groups such as the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) will be suspended during the election. These groups, often tasked with tackling local insecurity, will not be permitted to operate on election day, reflecting concerns about their potential involvement in the political process.
Egbetokun also issued a stern warning to any individuals or groups planning to disrupt the election. He made it clear that violations of election laws or any attempts to incite violence will be met with swift legal action. “The security of all citizens is our responsibility,” Egbetokun said, “and we will be supported by other agencies to ensure that every voter can cast their ballot safely.”
To maintain order, police will man all entry and exit points across the state, and movement will be restricted from 6 AM to 6 PM on election day.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), assured the public that preparations for the election are near completion. With 11 of the 13 required activities already implemented, only the final days of campaigning and the election itself remain. Adjustments to the candidate list were made following court rulings, bringing the total number of political parties participating from 17 to 18.
Additionally, INEC has delivered 184,438 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to new and transferred voters in Edo State. Accredited observer groups, both domestic and international, are prepared to monitor the election. INEC has greenlit 134 groups, including 10 international organizations, and 114 media outlets, with over 1,800 observers set to report on election proceedings.
In a bid to secure a peaceful process, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, arrived in Edo State to oversee the signing of a peace pact between the major political parties and their candidates. The pact, which underscores the need for a violence-free election, is seen as a vital step toward maintaining public order during the high-stakes vote.
With significant security personnel in place and a comprehensive peace agreement in motion, the stage is set for a transparent and orderly election in Edo. As the political climate heats up, all eyes will be on how these measures play out to safeguard the democratic process.
