Edo State PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police regarding the security of election materials for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21.
Speaking at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Benin City, where sensitive materials for the election were being distributed, Aziegbemi commended INEC’s preparations but emphasized the crucial need for vigilant protection.
“The process has been pretty good, INEC has done most of the things they said they would do,” Aziegbemi stated.
He noted that the National Commissioner overseeing Edo and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) were diligently working on signing the result sheets for wards and local government areas.
Aziegbemi stressed the importance of safeguarding the materials, urging the police to ensure their secure transport.
“So far, so good. We just hope that the police now takes it over. The police must now ensure that these materials get to INEC headquarters in the different local government areas.
“And they must make sure that from the different local government headquarters, nothing happens to these materials,” he warned.
This warning comes amid previous concerns raised by the PDP regarding the impartiality of INEC.
The party had earlier called for the redeployment of Edo REC Anugbum Onuoha, citing alleged connections with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Despite these concerns, INEC has assured that the election will proceed with transparency and integrity, with results being declared at the polling units in the presence of party agents and stakeholders.