Edo guber: We’re concerned politicians will tactically use violence at polling units, says Yiaga Africa

• The CSO had identified eight LGAs in Edo ahead of the off-cycle governorship election as hotspots for violence.
• The volatile security environment in these LGAs necessitates a strategic and neutral deployment of security forces.

Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), says it’s concerned “politicians will tactically use violence” at polling units during the Edo governorship election.

Speaking in Benin City during a pre-election press conference, the CSO said vote buying must be addressed through arrest and prosecution of buyers and sellers to deter others.

The CSO said it observed a tense and volatile political climate for the election, adding that strong-arm tactics and violence marred the campaign period, with intensified cult and thug activities amidst small arms proliferation.

“The campaign period was signposted with strong-arm tactics and violence. The activities of cult groups and political thugs have intensified amidst the proliferation of small and light arms,” Yiaga Africa said.

“YIAGA Africa is concerned that politicians will tactically employ violence and intimidation to suppress voters in specific polling units and LGAs

“Additionally, armed groups and political thugs may disrupt INEC’s deployment of elections. Yiaga Africa has identified eight (8) LGA’s as hotspot for violence. They include, Ikpoba Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West and Etsako East.

“The volatile security environment in these LGA’s necessitates a strategic and neutral deployment of security forces.”

YIAGA also expressed concerns that voter inducement through cash, gifts, and food items by politicians may compromise the election’s integrity and credibility.

“Yiaga observed multiple instances of voter inducement during the pre-election campaign period in Edo State. Political parties and politicians continue to distribute cash, gifts, and food items to entice voters,” the CSO said.

“These monetary gifts, ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000, raise serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

“These practices of voter inducement undermine the integrity of the electoral process, as they can distort the free will of the electorate and compromise the democratic principle of free and fair elections.”

Speaking on a potential low voter turnout, YIAGA expressed concerns over threats of violence, economic hardship, and electoral process distrust.