The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is gearing up for the Edo State governorship election, set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
As part of its preparations, the commission has transported sensitive materials, including over 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) devices, to ensure the smooth conduct of the election.
The materials, which also include ballot papers and result sheets, arrived in Edo on Wednesday through the Benin Airport. Under tight security, these items were transferred to secure locations across the state.
In addition to BVAS devices, INEC will also deploy more than 18,000 ad-hoc staff to manage the election at the 4,519 polling units across Edo State.
According to INEC’s staffing structure, each polling unit will have a team consisting of a Presiding Officer (PO) and three Assistant Presiding Officers (APO I, II, and III).
Supervisory officers will be assigned to ensure proper operations at the local government and ward levels.
As part of their logistical support, INEC has enhanced financial backing for transportation unions to facilitate the distribution of election materials across the state’s 211 collation centres. This will help ensure that voting processes are streamlined and transparent.
In a bid to ensure security throughout the election, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed 35,000 police officers to Edo, with an additional 8,000 officers expected from other security agencies.
This extensive security presence is complemented by the use of drones, helicopters, and other surveillance equipment. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba will lead the security team, with support from other senior police officers overseeing operations across the state’s local government areas and senatorial districts.
“We are ready to support the INEC to make sure we have a good conduct and a very perfect electoral process in Edo,” said police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.
