Founder and Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, has stated, in view of the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial elections, that Edo South is a battleground, citing its significant electoral history and distinct voting pattern.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Itodo stated that people who have emerged winners in this election would have to win substantial local governments in Edo South, especially Oredo and Ikpoba Okha local governments, amongst others.
Given the variables, Itodo expressed that senatorial districts including Oredo and Ikpoba Okha, as well as local government areas such as Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East, and Ovia South-West, are likely battlegrounds where politicians may employ various tactics to secure votes.
He warned that violence could be used strategically to disrupt and influence the election, emphasizing the necessity of continuous monitoring and swift action to prevent any activities that could jeopardize the electoral process.
Furthermore, Itodo noted that a meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) confirmed the force’s preparedness and deployment, but he expressed concerns that security and logistical issues remain unaddressed.
He spoke on an incident that occurred yesterday in Oredo local government, saying, “Shortly after the sensitive materials left the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the local government office, there was a mammoth crowd. I would say thugs, we don’t know from which political party they represent, that besieged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office.”
Itodo could not confirm whether the crowd had taken any sensitive election materials but stated that, according to information from the INEC, the situation was escalated to security agencies, who brought it under control. Itodo added, “What this simply tells you is that, in battlegrounds LGA’s, there is needs to be fortification of security in those local governments because what happened yesterday just gives us a sign of what could happen today, tomorrow and the days after.”
The YIAGA Africa founder also addressed logistical concerns, expressing optimism that materials would reach polling units on time.
He urged transport unions to fulfill their contractual obligations and called on INEC and security agencies to ensure they provide the necessary support.
“What we have seen in previous elections is this tactical delay of commencement in certain locations that casts a shadow of doubt on the process but also prevents the voters from accessing materials to exercise their franchise,” Itodo added.
Furthermore, he called on political actors in the state to adhere to the established rules and, in the event of grievances regarding the election outcome, to pursue redress through the appropriate legal channels as outlined by law.
Frances Ibiefo
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