Chief of Defence Staff Arrives in Edo State to Ensure Peaceful Gubernatorial Election

Benin City, Nigeria – In a significant move to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free gubernatorial election in Edo State, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has arrived in the state. His visit underscores the commitment of the Nigerian military to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order during the electoral process.

General Musa’s itinerary includes a thorough assessment of the preparedness of troops stationed in Edo State. This evaluation is crucial as the military plays a supportive role to the Nigeria Police Force in safeguarding the integrity of the election. Upon his arrival, General Musa visited the Headquarters of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army in Benin City, where he conducted a comprehensive review of the troops’ readiness to respond to any security challenges that may arise during the polls.

A statement from the Defence Headquarters highlighted that General Musa is also scheduled to engage with key stakeholders in the state. These meetings aim to foster effective collaboration and ensure a coordinated approach to security during the election. The stakeholders include representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and civil society organizations, all of whom play pivotal roles in the electoral process.

The Edo State governorship election, slated for September 21, 2024, will see 17 political parties contesting for the governorship seat. Among the leading contenders are Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party. The election is expected to be keenly contested, with each candidate bringing a unique vision for the future of Edo State.

To ensure a smooth and secure electoral process, a substantial deployment of security personnel has been planned. The first batch of 35,000 security personnel, comprising police officers, soldiers, and officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is scheduled to arrive in the state. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to provide a secure environment for voters and to deter any potential acts of violence or electoral malpractice.

General Musa’s visit and the extensive security preparations underscore the importance of a peaceful election in Edo State. The collaboration between the military, police, and other security agencies is expected to create a conducive atmosphere for the electorate to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on Edo State to see how these measures translate into a smooth and credible electoral process. The commitment of the security agencies and the proactive steps taken by the Defence Headquarters are clear indications of the priority placed on ensuring that the will of the people is freely and fairly expressed.