Opposition political parties in Edo have urged security agencies to address alleged intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and other acts that could undermine peaceful participation in the 2027 general elections.
The parties made the call at a stakeholders’ forum convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City on Tuesday.
Helen Uwangue, state chairman of the Labour Party, said the absence of consequences for electoral offences had encouraged repeated violations, urging security agencies to protect all parties equally.
She also called on INEC to maintain transparency and impartiality, release electoral guidelines early and prevent manipulation during result collation.
Sylvester Ewanehi, deputy state chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed concern over alleged increasing intimidation of opposition parties and urged political leaders and security agencies to address political violence.
Mathew Edaghese, state legal adviser of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleged that his party’s supporters had been victims of violence and called for the prosecution of perpetrators, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“When you create an exception for bad behaviour, you are creating an incentive for more bad behaviour,” he said.
Noshagare Ogiebor, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also alleged that his party’s campaign materials had been destroyed, urging the police to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
Osiriame Edeipo, state chairman of the BOOT Party, called for equal application of the law and faulted the short notice given for the meeting.
However, Samuel Obuoh, assistant secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, defended his party against allegations of involvement in political violence.
He urged parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and persuade voters through their candidates and manifestoes rather than accuse political opponents.
Responding, Obbo Effanga, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo, said the commission was committed to providing a level playing field but expected parties to operate within the law.
“Violence and threats of violence should not be part of politics and campaigns,” Effanga said, warning against attacks on opponents, disruption of political meetings, intimidation of electoral officials, destruction of campaign materials and cyberbullying.
He said INEC convened the meeting to address concerns and prevent actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Effanga added that law enforcement agencies were responsible for enforcing criminal laws, urging parties to report offences and provide information to support investigations.
He also clarified that the voters’ register displayed online was an interim version intended to allow claims and objections before the final register was produced.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Patrick Daaor, urged political parties to notify the police before holding rallies and other public events to allow adequate security arrangements.
He said investigations required specific information about suspected perpetrators, including their identities.
Daaor said the police were investigating the attack on entertainer Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, and cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation was completed.
The forum also featured concerns about alleged vote-buying, weapons during elections, the handling of result sheets and photographs on the online voters’ register.
