Edo Election: Watch Live Updates here
Live Updates: #EdoDecides2020 Dairy of an election:
Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed his displeasure over the electoral conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in the ongoing Edo gubernatorial election.
After casting his vote at polling unit 19, ward 4, Oredo local government area of the state, Obaseki, who is also the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, complained about the delay experienced in the voting exercise.
The governor said he expected a better planning by the electoral commission.
“I expected that INEC would have prepared better for this election. I waited for one and half hours on the queue before exercising my franchise, it’s a beat disappointing,” he said.
“Giving that this is a sole day election, I expected a better planning for this election. Card readers were very slow and that’s the situation everywhere.”
Fracas between youths at Unit 19, Ward 4, Oredo LGA
13:30AM
Mammoth crowd at Ologbosere Primary School, Ugbeku, Ikpoba/Okha, which has 24 polling units
13:15AM
By Raymond Mordi, Benin
Voters waiting
13: 10AM
Photos: Bisi Olaniyi
Voters waiting on the queue, at Units 7 and 8, Ward 2, Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo LGA in Edo North Senatorial District.
Finally, Gov Obaseki votes
11: 55
By Raymond Mordi, Benin
After over one hour of waiting on the queue, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki has finally voted.
There was pandemonium at his polling unit 19, ward 04 in Oredo local area when a fight broke out between party supporters.
The clash was resolved about five minutes later when the attacker was led away by security agents.
He voted at 11: 50am with his wife.
Ize-Iyamu and I will emerge victorious – Gani Audu
11:54AM
By Bisi Olaniyi
The Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State in the ongoing election, Mallam Gani Audu, has declared that Edo is an APC state.
He also gave an assurance that Edo APC’s standard bearer, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu would emerge victorious.
Audu, a former Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, who is a current member of Edo House of Assembly, stated this at Unit 13, Ward 7, Ughiole Primary School, Aviele, Etsako West LGA in Edo North Senatorial District, after casting his vote at 11:11 a.m.
He described the turnout of voters as massive and impressive, being the first of its kind in the area.
Audu also urged the voters across Edo state to continue to give peace a chance.
He said there was violence in Ward 5, Agbede in the same Etsako West LGA, while adding that security agents were able to quickly restore normalcy, with voting continuing in the community.
The governorship election in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts witnessed heavy security and massive turnout of the electorate, with the weather being very clement and voting being done peacefully.
Our reporter who visited Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA in Edo Central senatorial district saw voters who conducted themselves peacefully, with many security personnel deployed in the area.
While at Unit 13, Ward 7, Ughiole Primary School, Aviele, Etsako West LGA in Edo North senatorial district, a security helicopter overflew the area around 10:02 am, to ensure that the election was devoid of violence and thuggery.
Besides the voters from Unit 13, Ward 7, other voters of Unit 14 in the same Ughiole Primary School, Aviele also performed their civic responsibility by voting for candidates of their choice.
A member of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Unit 13, Ward 7, Aviele, who simply identified herself as Miss Favour, described the election as peaceful, with the voters being orderly.
APC Deputy gov candidate votes
Deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Mallam Gani Audu, casting his vote at Unit 13, Ward 7, Ughiole Primary School, Aviele, Etsako West LGA in Edo North Senatorial District.
Tension over alleged vote buying in Gov. Obaseki’s PU
11: 50AM
By Raymond Mordi, Benin
Tale of vote buying flying all over the place within the Emokpae Model Primary on Mission Road, where Governor Obaseki is waiting to vote.
A lot of aggrieved persons are protesting the development.
This is the case for the two major parties; a prospective voter who does want to be quoted said she will collect the money and vote for the candidate of her choice.
Gov Obaseki still on queue one hour after
11: 26AM
By Raymond Mordi, Benin
The process of voting is very slow at the Emokpae Model Primary School where Governor Obaseki is waiting to vote. After over an hour on the queue, the governor is halfway on the queue.
80-year-old Madam Martina Obayaku sets to vote at Gov Obaseki’s PU
11:25AM
One feared shot in Ikpoba
10:52 AM
One person has been reportedly shot at Ologbo in Ikpoba Okah LGA, Edo State.
Contacted on the alleged shooting at Ologbo Dukedoom, the Enogie, HRH Jason Owen Akenzua, said he heard gunshots and when he contacted the DPO, he was told that it was police that fired shots when the place was rowdy.
“I heard gunshots and called the DPO Ologbo. He told it was police that fired warning shots to disperse the crowd when the place became rowdy. The area is calm and peaceful now.”
Pandemonium in Gov Obaseki’s polling unit
10:50AM
There was pandemonium at the polling unit 19, ward 04, Oredo local government area of Edo of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The pandemonium broke out as a young man attempted to disrupt the voting process as soon as the Governor entered the unit.
Party supporters were seen in a video captured by The Nation attacking one another.
Details shortly…
BREAKING: Ize-Iyamu casts vote
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has voted.
He cast his vote at exactly 10: 20am at ward 05 unit 26 in Iguodudi community, Orhionmwom.
Governor Obaseki joins the queue
It’s a very long queue. Reporters are trying to capture every minute of the governor’s presence.
PHOTO: Wait over as Governor Obaseki and aides enter the premises
Wait for Gov Obaseki to vote
The wait for Governor Godwin Obaseki continues at Emokpae Model Primary School on Mission Road, Benin City.
Electoral officials are doing their best to comply with Covid-19 regulations and guidelines.
But it is a different ballgame for the prospective voters
There are no social distancing and wearing of face masks.
Convener of Edo Girls for Obaseki, Mrs Evelyn Inneh, canvassing votes for Governor Obaseki
09:30am
VIDEO: Quarrel over sharing of money at Unit 28
Sixty year old blind Yakubu Mohammed about to vote
VIDEO: Dancing PMF women spray teargas to boost morale
PHOTOS: Voters, INEC officials at Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma
Edo polls: Police anti-bomb experts sweep voting, collation centres
- Undercover detectives for vote buyers
By Raymond Mordi, Precious Igbonwelundu and Bisi Olaniyi
As Edo people prepare to go to the polls, the police have deployed anti-bomb experts to sweep voting and collation centres for possible explosive devices that could mar the exercise.
The experts, according to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of security for the election, Adeleye Oyebade, were all over the state working to prevent anything untoward from happening.
The DIG gave this assurance during an interview with The Nation at the Command Headquarters in Benin City where he reiterated their readiness to protect lives and properties of all election stakeholders.
According to Oyebade, the police started preparing for the election some months ago and were able to identify black spots based on risk assessment conducted.
He said there would be simultaneous ground, water and air operations in order to share active intelligence in real time for suspicious elements to be apprehended.
Asked how the police intend to secure the waterways from thugs and militants who might be smuggled in by politicians, Oyebade said the Marine Police and Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel were already collaborating on that.
He said: “The possibility of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other explosives were part of our risk assessment and we have taken steps to ensure no such thing happens. We have technical platforms that we do not discuss how they operate.
“Our bomb disposal experts are all over the state. They have done and are doing what is required of them to ensure we have one of the best outings.
“For an election like this, we know that people might want to come in from neighbouring states to forment trouble or do things that might mar the exercise. So, we have our different levels of condoning to address that.
“All adjoining states will be properly policed both exit and entry points. We are also looking at our security on the waterway. The marine police and naval personnel are collaborating in that direction. We will also from the air space do a lot of surveillance to identify possible clandestine gatherings that might be inimical to the success of the election.
“We have been going round telling the people the importance of their coming out and the fact that police will always protect lives and properties before, during and after the elections.”
Asked the number of arrests made and small arms mopped up, Oyebade said the police do not want to make news of such issues but would rather prosecute apprehended persons diligently in court.
“On those that have been arrested even before now, we wouldn’t want to start making news about it. But the arrests have doused the tension some more. Some arrests were made two weeks ago and we are using the legal instrument, evidential requirements to ensure proper prosecution.
“We have strategies in place to prevent vote buying. We are trying to be proactive by telling them that whosoever is caught engaging in vote buying or selling will face the law. The law is explicit and unambiguous about this and we will make sure to use it to address those caught.
“We are collaborating with relevant sister agencies in the area of vote buying and they will be planted covertly at polling units. So, if you are soliciting for votes, you might not know the next person standing by you is a plain clothed agent and you will be arrested,” said Oyebade.
Warning actors to play by the rules, the DIG said the police would not shy away from their responsibility of diligently prosecuting anyone found to have breached any provision of the Electoral Act.
“We are stressing all the guidelines given out because we are going to enforce them. The basic thing is that people are getting to know that our coming is not to intimidate but to dominate and change the psyche of the electorates to the fact that with police presence, they can come out and cast their votes.
“Also, the COVID-19 guidelines will be respected in this election. By and large, the tension has calmed down with the intervention of the Oba of Benin.
“The peace accord that was signed emphasised accountability and responsibility. If the gladiators at that level have signed and they know the implication of signing, they have to abide by the letters and spirit of that document.
“The content speaks about them being mature, respecting the rule of law and ensuring their supporters do not take the law into their hands. So, if at that level we have been able to tell them they will be held accountable and they endorsed their signature; there is a lot of responsibility on their soldiers and that will cascade down to the least person.
“We expect that all of these will bring out decency and discipline into the whole exercise,” he said.
On the welfare of the over 30,000 policemen deployed for the election, Oyebade said the IG, Mohammed Adamu provided all necessary welfare arrangements for them, adding that they were expected to give their best and be professional.
“The morale is high. The IGP made available all necessary welfare benefits and so, we expect that officers and men deployed for this assignment will be professional.
“We will be humane, courteous, respect the rule of law and human rights of electorates. We will protect electoral materials, INEC officials, observers and the press. In doing all of these, we are going to be firm.
“So, when decisions are going to be taken, we will fall back to the provisions of the Electoral Act. We will use the Act against anyone who breaches any provision. What we expect is for everyone to come and do the right thing.
“The message is clear: electorates should come out and cast their votes. If there are any challenges, they should reach us on 08154352118 on calls and if they see and record certain things, they should use their WhatsApp facility to forward to us on 08154350436. They can still use this number for SMS.
“We want them to see this as a partnership and understand that the community policing we have been talking about is already in practice. We should take this election as part of opportunity to contribute.
“There ought to be sacrifice and that is why we are appealing to people to respect the restriction between 11:59pm tonight and 6pm on Saturday. Collectively, we can have a credible, free, fair, inclusive election and acceptable result at the end of the day,” said Oyebade.
PHOTO: Security operatives patrol Benin
Photo: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Security Patrol through Adesua street, Benin City, Edo State
Edo 2020: Police order 12-hour vehicular restrictions
By Raymond Mordi, Precious Igbonwelundu and Bisi Olaniyi
There will be no vehicular movement from 11:59pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday in Edo, the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu has directed.
The restriction, Adamu said, was aimed at ensuring public order and safety during Saturday’s governorship elections in the state.
According to a statement by spokesman, Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), the order followed the need to prevent the free flow, circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs.
He said it will also checkmate the movement of political thugs, touts and other criminally-minded individuals especially from contiguous states who may want to hijack and disrupt the electoral process.
The IG, Mba said, enjoined citizens to go out en-masse on the day of the election and vote, noting that the police and other security agencies have been sufficiently mobilised to provide a safe, secure and conducive environment for the election.
“While regretting any inconveniences the restriction order may cause the citizens, the IG enjoins the citizens to see the restriction as part of necessary sacrifices towards the enthronement of democracy.
“He however warns that the Force will not sit idly by and watch citizens who may want to engage in any criminal act- violent and destructive acts, snatching of ballot boxes, vote-buying, vote-selling, hate speeches, and other act(s) capable of compromising the electoral processes,” said Mba.
Registered voters, PVC collection by LGAs
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
Edo South is the dominant district in terms of registered voters and PVC collection.
The district has 1,281,414 registered voters, according to YIAGA, quoting INEC figures. In the zone, 78.1 per cent of the PVCs have been collected.
Conversely Edo North has 564,122 registered voters; 84 per cent of the PVCs have been collected.
In Edo Central, the total registered voters are 364,998; out of which 74.4 per cent have been collected.
Below is the breakdown:
Edo South
Oredo:
Registered voters 313,553;
PVCs collected 240,197
Ikpoba/Okha:
Registered voters 315,410;
PVCs collected 214,822
Egor:
Registered voters 219,832;
PVCs collected 158,817
Ovia Northeast:
Registered voters 143,009;
PVCs collected 113,167
Ovia Southwest:
Registered voters 96,409;
PVCs collected 77,468
Orhiomwon:
Registered voters 118,672;
PVCs collected 102,739
Uhunmwode:
Registered voters 74,529;
PVCs collected 57,290
Edo North
Etsako West:
Registered voters 160,137;
PVCs collected 128,188
Etsako East:
Registered voters 81,639;
PVCs collected 67,715
Etsako Central:
Registered voters 84,245;
PVCs collected 42,042
Akoko Edo:
Registered voters 119,254;
PVCs collected 115,343
Owan West:
Registered voters 61,193;
PVCs collected 46,245
Owan East:
Registered voters 91,841;
PVCs collected 77,827
Edo Central
Esan West:
Registered voters 99,983;
PVCs collected 83,467
Esan Central:
Registered voters 50,058;
PVCs collected 42,042
Esan Northeast:
Registered voters 84,245;
PVCs collected 66,790
Esan Southeast:
Registered voters 76,842;
PVCs collected 58,802
Igueben:
Registered voters 46,828;
Edo polls: INEC distributes sensitive materials to LGAs
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State.
The materials which were housed at the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Benin City, began the early afternoon with the farthest LGA.
Addressing reporters at the CBN premises, INEC’s head of voter education and publicity, Timidi Wariowei, said the exercise commenced with the farthest LGAs, adding that 11 LGs have so far been distributed.
“We started from Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, Owan East and Owan West among others. Some have gone and others are completely loaded and are sorting out their security escort. Very soon materials will move to all the local governments,” he said.
He said from the LGs, the materials will move to Registration Areas Centres (RACs) and from the RACs they would move to the polling units and voting points on Saturday morning.
Police, soldiers patrol Benin in show of force
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
In an apparent show of force, security agencies on Thursday patrolled the nooks and crannies of Edo State displaying the array of weapons and personnel deployed for the exercise.
A security convoy led by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of security for the polls combed various parts of Edo South, stopping at intervals to assure the people of their safety
Our reporters observed several Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) carrying armed military and police operatives, armoured tanks, hilux vehicles and buses filled with security agents touring different parts of the metropolis, while road blocks are mounted in strategic areas with the police searching vehicles for possible exhibits.
Already, some of the 31,000 cops deployed for the election by the Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed Adamu have been deployed to the hinterland and riverine communities to prevent thugs from wreaking havoc.
It was gathered that a Commissioner of Police (CP) was deployed to each of the identified strongholds to coordinate security activities and report to the DIG while bulk of the security forces would man Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas (LGAs), which are considered to have the highest number of voters.
Addressing the joint security patrols, DIG Oyebade said he was happy they received timely information and acted on same to prevent unpleasant situations.
Although he did not give further details about it, the DIG warned politicians having clandestine meetings to disrupt the electoral processes to desist or face the wrath of the law.
He said: “We have some information and were able to get it early. So, we will continue the show of force across all the senatorial districts.
“I am using this opportunity to sound note of warning to those of them holding clandestine meetings; all those that think they can do and undo to make this election a fallacy will not be allow.
“The reason behind this operation is that we must work together as a team because we are members of the same family. When you see yourself in the NSCDC, the navy, army, Airforce or police; we have a common goal.
“That common goal is to ensure a free, fair and credible election and to protect lives and properties of the electorates.
“The second reason is to send signal to the bad boys. That wherever they are, we will fish them out and we are ready.
“Also, we are telling the electorates they are safe. That they should feel free and come out on the day of the election.
“Most people sometimes do not read our intention clearly. Showing of force is not to intimidate members of the public, rather it is to reassure them we are ready to protect them and to respect the fundamental rights of the citizens before, during and after the election.”
Continuing, Oyebade urged the security agents to remain professional. He said they must be fair but tough, adding that they must ensure no loss of lives.
“We know that we must be professional. When you are doing your job, do it with all fairness. We do not want to lose anybody.
“We will be fair and at the same time tough. That is the message and I can assure you that the Inspector General of Police (IG) sent you to protect lives and properties.
“It is when you are alive that you can be responsible to protect lives and property. So, you go back and continue to do your work. We appreciate you and the synergy must continue. The Nigeria Police as the lead agency in election duties will always work in collaboration and with corporation of other security agencies so that together we can achieve the target,” he said.
Aside the show of force and road blocks, there were also heavy police presence at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) temporary office along Sapele Road as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Benin where accreditation and distribution of electoral materials were going on respectively.
At the INEC office, observers who spoke to our reporters said they were satisfied with the processes thus far, adding that the INEC officials have been approachable and accessible.
An observer with CLEEN Foundation, Mrs. Blessing Emoron said they were hopeful the election would be peaceful.
She said the security agents have been trained to avoid indiscriminate use of firearms, adding that they have so far conducted themselves creditably.
“I have not really seen anything that I can term to be out of place. I think everything that they are doing is just to be prepared. As an observer, I have been well equipped to know what to do, when to do it and how to do it.
“My advice to every observer, when you are there observing, let’s know our roles, we are not security agents, let us not try to mediate in fight. We are not police. Let’s know our place and stay in our place.
“We are to observe the conduct of security personnel, observe the conduct of INEC personnel and even the voters. That’s what we are really to do. We are not supposed to be a judge, to stick your legs out, to do what is not your business to avoid being attacked.”
VIDEO: Distribution of electoral materials in Benin
By Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
VIDEO: Security show of force in Edo
By Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Voting pattern in previous Edo elections – Study
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
If the voting pattern in previous elections in Edo is anything to go by, Edo South Senatorial District, which is the Bini-speaking part of the state, may likely determine the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election.
A detailed study by the non-governmental organisation, YIAGA Africa has given an overview of what to expect, going by the patterns in previous elections.
In 2016, the highest proportion of votes came from Edo South; 49 per cent of the votes cast during that election came from the district.
This is compared to Edo North and Edo Central, with 32 per cent and 19 per cent of the votes cast respectively.
Similarly, in 2019 general elections, 47 per cent of the valid votes cast came from Edo South while Edo North and Edo Central recorded 34.4 per cent and 18.2 per cent respectively.
Six local governments — Oredo, Ikpoba/Okha, and Egor in Edo South and Etsako West, Akoko Edo, and Owan East in Edo North — accounted for half of total votes cast (50 per cent).
Five per cent of total votes cast were declared rejected votes in the 2016 governorship election.
In 2016, the turn out was 32 per cent, while the percentage for 2019 general elections was 28 per cent.
Edo North, with 486,969 registered voters, had 199,500 voters or 41 per cent accredited for the election.
This is in contrast to the situation in Edo South which had the highest voting population.
The district had 1.09 million registered voters then, but only 303,148 or 27.8 per cent of them were accredited to vote during the contest.
Benin City in festive mood ahead of guber poll
By Raymond Mordi
Two days to the governorship election in Edo, the atmosphere on the streets in Benin City, the state capital, is electric.
Security has been deployed in several parts of the city ahead of the contest.
It is evident that an important event is impending.
For instance, the road that leads to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where the sensitive materials that would be used for the election are being kept, have been cordoned off with traffic restricted to one part of the road.
These developments, in addition to increasing floods caused by torrential rainfall in the city, has led to heavy traffic in different parts of the city.
On Wednesday evening, a group of women spotting a uniform made from ankara fabric, were seen along Federal Avenue, GRA, Benin City, carrying bags with the logo of a particular political party.
One of the passers-by on the street said they had just been mobilised to go out and canvass for votes in their respective areas.
There is heavy vehicular movement on major roads in the capital city, particularly the Airport Road with the increasing influx of people into the state for the election.
PSC to policemen: operate within the law in Edo or…
By Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has cautioned police officers deployed for the Edo governorship elections to operate within the law or face sanctions.
It said it has already deployed a high-powered monitoring team to Edo to monitor the conduct of policemen on electoral duties during this Saturday’s election.
According to a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, the team is led by Bar. Rommy Mom, a Commissioner representing the Human Rights Organizations and Austin Braimoh, representing the Media.
The Commission has also released dedicated telephone numbers for complaints and commendation on the conduct of Police during the exercise, Ani said.
“The Commission wishes to advise that all Police Officers on electoral duty in Edo State must operate within the law and rules of engagement as any infractions on the laws/rules guiding election policing by any officer will be investigated and appropriate sanctions given.
“The Commission has however received assurances from the leadership of the Police charged with maintaining peace and order during the election in the state that every security arrangement has been put in place to ensure a hitch free and peaceful polls,” Ani said.
Oredo, Ikpoba/Okha, Egor, Etsako West top in PVCs collection
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
An analysis of registered voters and permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) collection rate by the various local governments suggests that Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha have the largest voting population.
According to a study carried out by YIAGA Africa, Ikpoba/Okha has the highest of registered voters, which stands at 315,410.
But, ironically, Oredo which has 313,553 registered voters is leading in terms of PVC collection; 240,197 persons have collected their voters card, against 214,822 for Ikpoba/Okha, which has the highest number of uncollected PVCs.
The two councils are in Edo South Senatorial District.
Egor Local Government, which is also in Edo South, is third in terms of registered voters and PVC collection rate. Egor has 219,832 registered voters, with 158,817 PVCs collected and 73,356 uncollected.
Among the districts with a huge voting population is Etsako West and Akoko Edo, both in Edo North Senatorial District. They have 160,137 and 119,254 registered voters respectively.
Akoko Edo has the least percentage of uncollected PVCs in the state. Only 3,911 or 3.2 per cent of PVCs are uncollected in the council.
Ova Northeast with 143,009 registered voters also has an appreciable high voting population. Out of the above figure, only 29,842 PVCs are uncollected in the council.
Igueben, in Edo Central, is the local government with the least voting population. It has only 46,828 registered voters, with as much as 11,840 or 25.2 per cent uncollected.
Group applauds UK, US decision to sanction election riggers
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
An advocacy group, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement Africa (YIAGA) has hailed the decision of the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States’ governments to impose sanctions on Nigerians who undermine the electoral process and invite violence.
The Chairman of YIAGA Africa’s Edo 2020 Election Observation Mission, Dr Aisha Abdullahi made the remark yesterday at a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Dr Abdullahi said the action of the two countries is consistent with YIAGA Africa’s call on the international community to continually hold political leaders and institutions to account for their commitment to the people and the democratic process.
She said this year’s election is defined by strong-arm tactics and violence.
Her words: “Clearly, the stakes are high in the September 19 governorship election as typified by the state of pre-election violence and the level of desperation on the part of political actors to not only delegitimise the process but ensure they secure political power at all cost.”
The non-governmental organisation, which is dedicated to reforming Nigeria’s election system, classified two-thirds of the 18 local governments in Edo State as hotspots and flash points of violence, due to the frequency of violence, arms proliferation, and a spike in cult groups’ activities in those local councils.
Abdullahi added: “The violence rhetoric and strong-arm tactics employed by the two major parties for campaigns created a tense atmosphere environment and a climate of fear which informed peace talks initiated by the Obaseki of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and the National Peace Committee headed by the former Head of State, General Abdulsami Abubakar.”
The YIAGA Africa board co-chairman said the group will deploy its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology at the polling units to enhance the credibility or otherwise of the Edo election.
This, she added, would help to provide timely and accurate information on the conduct of accreditation, voting and counting. Through this method, she said, YIAGA Africa would independently verify official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group said it would deploy 500 stationary observers to a representative statistical sample of 250 polling units and 25 mobile observers located in all the 18 local governments in the state.
PHOTOS: Distribution of electoral materials begins
By Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
PHOTOS: Massive deployment of security in Benin
By Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Group identifies potential flashpoints of violence
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu
A non-governmental organisation, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) Africa has identified potential hotspots and flashpoints of violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Chairman of YIAGA Africa’s Edo 2020 Election Observation Mission, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi said based on the report of the group’s observation carried out ahead of the poll, two-thirds of the local governments in the state are potential flashpoints of violence.
These, she said include Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Owan West, and Akoko Edo, all in Edo North Senatorial District.
Others are Oredo, Orhiomwon, Egor, Ovia Northeast, and Ikpoba/Okha in Edo South, as well as Esan Central, Esan Northeast and Esan West in Edo Central.
Dr. Abdullahi said YIAGA Africa’s study suggests that the spare of violence and insecurity in the pre-election period may discourage voters from turning up on Election Day.
She said the state is witnessing a surge in cult groups’ activities, especially in Ikpoba/Okha, Etsako Central, Owan West, Esan West and Ovia Northeast local governments.
She added: “This is mainly attributable to an entrenched subculture of violence built around well-known strongmen, thugs, touts, gangsters, and cultists on the one hand, and widespread belief that elections cannot be won or smooth governance guaranteed without strong-arm tactics and the support of potential thugs.
“The situation is direr because of the proliferation of small arms and other weapons, which is evident in the free use of firearms at campaign venues.”
The group’s report also condemned physical violence towards women in Etsako Central, vandalism or destruction of property belonging to a candidate or his/her supporters in Oredo, Orhiomwon, Igueben, Etsako Central, Esan Northeast, Ikpoba/Okha, Egor, and Esan Southeast local governments.
