Ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 21st September 2024, a socio-political group, Edo Collectives, has issued a stern warning against the importation of thugs into the state.
The group expressed concerns about the potential for violence during the election, following reports of the influx of hired thugs.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the group’s secretary, Musa Osagie, Edo Collectives cautioned that any attempt by external forces to disrupt the election would be met with resistance.
“There are reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought in thugs from Kogi and Imo States to cause unrest during the election,” the statement alleged.
“The people of Edo State are determined to elect their leader, and no external interference will be tolerated. Those attempting to manipulate the will of the people will not succeed.”
The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and transparent process, while calling on security agencies, particularly the police, to guarantee the safety of voters.
“Edolites are ready to protect their votes and will not allow any form of electoral malpractice.
INEC must provide a level playing field for all candidates, and the police must step in to maintain peace and order,” Osagie added.
Concerns about violence have intensified as the election day approaches, and Edo Collectives is among several groups calling for calm and adherence to democratic principles.
In a related development, InfoStride News reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the election, citing the arrest and detention of some of its members by the police.
The party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, stated that the PDP would only sign the accord if the detained members were released.
Despite the PDP’s refusal, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 16 other political parties signed the Peace Accord on Thursday, 12th September 2024, in Benin City.
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