- Samson Itodo warns of potential conflict in Edo State, citing increased cult activities and urging security agencies to ensure election safety
- Itodo calls for integrity in INEC’s election oversight, emphasizing the need for impartiality to protect citizens’ voting rights
Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, has expressed concerns that political actors in Edo State are gearing up for a conflict.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Itodo noted that cult groups’ activities in the state have increased in the lead-up to the September 21 election.
He called for impartiality from security agencies and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy individuals of high integrity to oversee the election.
He stated, “There has been an increase in the activities of cult groups leading up to the election. We have witnessed attacks on political candidates and supporters and damage at party rallies.
“These pre-election indicators suggest that political actors are not preparing for a standard election on September 21; they are gearing up for a confrontation, preparing for war.
“This is a critical moment for our security agencies and INEC as stakeholders to prioritize the people’s interests. If voters in Edo do not feel assured of a safe environment on September 21, they will refrain from voting, denying them the opportunity to exercise their rights.
“We urge political actors from all sides to put their state’s interests first by adhering to the game’s rules.
“Security personnel should conduct the election in an impartial, transparent, and democratic manner to build stakeholder trust. Those managing the election should be people of impeccable character.”