With the governorship election in Edo State approaching on September 21, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has announced that quasi-security outfits will not be permitted to participate in the election’s security operations. Speaking at the Edo Election Security Townhall organized by Channels Television, the Kimpact Development Initiative, and the UK International Development, Egbetokun emphasized that only the police and authorized security agencies will handle election security.
Egbetokun assured the public of a professional and impartial security presence, warning that any individual carrying offensive weapons on election day would be treated as an armed criminal. The decision bars the Edo State Security Network and other local security groups from involvement.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Frank Mba supported Egbetokun’s stance, stating that the participation of vigilantes in elections is prohibited by the Electoral Act. He warned that any quasi-security personnel found on duty during the election would face arrest.
The political atmosphere in Edo has been tense, with 95 cases of violence, including 35 electoral-related incidents, reported this year. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently declined to sign a peace pact, which was endorsed by 16 other parties.
The election features a competitive race between Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP). Over 2.6 million registered voters from 18 local government areas will determine the new governor of Edo State.
