Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), has raised concerns that “politicians will tactically use violence” at polling units during the Edo governorship election.
News About Nigeria reports that the CSO said on Thursday, while addressing a pre-election press conference, in Benin City.
Yiaga Africa said vote-buying must be addressed through arrest and prosecution of buyers and sellers to deter others.
The CSO noted that it observed a tense and volatile political climate for the election.
It further stated 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) LGAs as hotspots 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 LGAs necessitates a strategic and neutral deployment of security forces.
“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.
“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.”
