Edo 2024 Guber: 8 LGAs flagged as violence hotspots ahead of election
In a pre-election statement, YIAGA Africa has identified eight local government areas (LGAs) in Edo State as potential hotspots for violence during the upcoming gubernatorial elections, calling for urgent measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
This revelation was made by Dr. Aisha Abdullahi and Samson Itodo, who presented their findings during a press briefing on Thursday.
The identified LGAs are Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West, and Etsako East.
These areas have been highlighted due to concerns that violence and intimidation could be employed to suppress voter turnout, disrupt the deployment of election materials by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or influence outcomes at polling units.
The election has been fraught with tension, particularly following the refusal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate to sign a peace accord. YIAGA Africa underscored that the Edo elections would serve as a critical test of the nation’s commitment to electoral integrity.
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Dr. Abdullahi and Itodo outlined several challenges that may affect the election, including widespread economic hardship, security issues, and a general distrust in state institutions. They pinpointed three essential tests for the upcoming elections: the impartiality of security agencies, the resilience of citizens, and the integrity of INEC.
Furthermore, the organisation raised alarms about voter inducement tactics observed during the pre-election campaign. Reports indicated that political parties and candidates were offering payments of between N1,000 and N2,000 to entice voters,
