The Nigerian Police Force has urged voters in the ongoing Edo State gubernatorial election to return home immediately after casting their ballots.
This directive was issued by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, during a special edition of Channels Television’s Politics show for the election.
While some political leaders, including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, encouraged voters to stay and protect their votes to prevent electoral malpractice, Mba insisted that citizens should cast their votes and then leave the polling stations.
Atiku, speaking in Benin, had urged the Edo electorate to defend their votes, saying, “You can’t come and steal votes here in Edo. Therefore, protect your vote, defend your votes, make sure your votes are entered.”
In contrast, DIG Mba emphasized that only accredited personnel would be permitted to remain at polling stations, stressing, “If you are not accredited to carry out any of the functions related to the election, you should not be out on the street.”
Mba also addressed concerns about vote buying, acknowledging it as one of the most challenging electoral offences to manage due to its often private nature. He promised, however, that the police would take decisive action against offenders caught in the act.
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had ordered a restriction on movement within Edo State on election day, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, to ensure the integrity of the process.
This ban includes security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling stations, with exceptions made for essential services such as accredited media and emergency responders.
Seventeen candidates are vying for the governorship seat at Dennis Osadebe House in Benin City.
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