Edo/Ondo Polls: IGP Accuses Politicians Of Arming, Mobilising Thugs

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday, accused politicians in Edo and Ondo States of arming thugs ahead of the governorship elections in the two states.

Adamu’s accusation was contained statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.

Recall that the police boss had recently ordered the mop up of arms in the country.

He said his position was informed by the the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports from both states.

According to him, the security threat analysis revealed amongst other indicators, “arming and movement of political thugs, use of inciting statements during political campaigns, high likelihood of violence and possible cross attack by political opponents, misinformation/disinformation aimed at heating-up of the polity and deliberate efforts at de-legitimising government institutions involved in the electoral processes.”

The police boss therefore warned politicians and their supporters in the two states to conduct themselves in a proper manner by playing by the rules as well as “steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process in the two states.”

He also warned that: “The force will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone or group, irrespective of status that may want to sabotage the security arrangement being emplaced for the elections.”  

Furthermore, Adamu directed the commissioners of police in the two states to rejig their preparations for the elections to accommodate and address the threats and emerging trends as contained in the security report.

He noted that the force leadership is evolving customised security architecture to protect the people and ensure hitch-free elections.

He added that the force would be apolitical and work with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections.

The governorship election in Edo state comes up on September 19th, while that of Ondo is scheduled for October 10th.

The polls in the two states are a straight battle between the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Edo has incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP, sweating it out with Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC.

In Ondo also, incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC will be battling it out with Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP.