The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council has raised serious concerns regarding a purported scheme by the state government to manipulate the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21. They claim that the government intends to employ personnel from the Edo State Security Network to coerce voters on election day.
This assertion was made in a statement released by Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Director of Media for the Edo APC Campaign Council.
In his statement, Afegbua accused the state government of fabricating police and military uniforms that members of the Edo Security Network would wear to masquerade as genuine law enforcement officers. This, he alleges, is part of a sinister plan to facilitate voter intimidation.
The APC Campaign Council is sounding the alarm for voters, citizens, and other stakeholders about the alleged covert actions by Governor Godwin Obaseki aimed at undermining the integrity of the electoral process using the state’s security network as a tool.
“We have received numerous reports from concerned Edo voters regarding the governor’s tactics to instill fear, threaten, and harass citizens to prevent them from exercising their voting rights. We have previously highlighted the government’s involvement in arms procurement,” Afegbua stated.
He continued, “The Edo State government is ramping up recruitment for its controversial security network with the sole intention of using these individuals for electoral manipulation through intimidation.”
Concerns were raised by citizens of integrity who attended a briefing at the Government House, with some rejecting job offers due to ethical reservations about the alleged plot. Meanwhile, the state government is reportedly seeking to acquire more weapons for the network for election day.
The Edo Security Network has allegedly begun setting up illegal checkpoints across the state, posing as legitimate police and military personnel. Recently, APC campaign events in Akoko-Edo faced disruptions, and supporters were reportedly attacked in Ewohinmi after a successful campaign rally.
The council is urgently appealing to military and police authorities, particularly the Inspector General of Police, to intervene and safeguard the state from potential chaos.
“We implore these authorities to launch an investigation into these serious allegations to prevent a deterioration of law and order in Edo State,” Afegbua said.
Many APC members and citizens have expressed deep concerns for their safety and the need to ensure a peaceful election process.
Afegbua warned that such actions resemble the early stages of Boko Haram’s rise, which has since become a significant threat in Nigeria. He emphasized the necessity for security forces to act decisively, including potentially disbanding the Edo Security Network and apprehending anyone illegally in possession of firearms.
“In the APC, we advocate for every individual’s right to vote. We are alarmed by the governor’s apparent desperation, which could lead to unnecessary conflict if the election does not favor him,” he added.
“In a democracy, the right to choose must be upheld. We must empower the people; Governor Obaseki needs to be held accountable for his actions.”
The APC stands firm in its commitment to a peaceful electoral process and warns that no one, regardless of their position, should intimidate or suppress the voices of the electorate.
“We call on all stakeholders to ensure the election is peaceful and free from violence. Immediate action from the IGP and military authorities is crucial to address this alarming situation,” he concluded.
