The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns about the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly using Federal Might and police intimidation to sway the election. They have reported arrests of their leaders and called for the release of those detained, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a fair electoral process. The PDP, which declined to sign the peace accord, also demanded the reassignment of the Edo Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, and Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Onuoha Anugbum, citing their ties to former Governor Nyesom Wike, whom they believe undermined the PDP during the 2023 presidential election.
Conversely, the APC is calling for the arrest of individuals linked to the recent killing of a police officer associated with their candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhelo, claiming that the suspects remain at large and pose a threat on election day. Governor Obaseki has countered these claims, stating that police are wrongfully targeting innocent individuals and need to conduct thorough investigations.
Election monitoring group Yiaga Africa has expressed concerns about potential violence in eight local government areas (LGAs), noting that the election takes place against a backdrop of economic hardship, security issues, and public distrust in electoral processes. Dr. Aisha Abdulahi, chair of the Edo 2024 Election Mission, highlighted ongoing voter inducement and vote-buying by various political parties, alongside the increased presence of cult groups and political thugs.
Yiaga Africa has identified eight LGAs Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West, and Etsako East as hotspots for violence, urging a strategic and impartial deployment of security forces in these areas to ensure a safe electoral environment.
