The Edo state government has warned politicians and residents against engaging in political violence ahead of the 2027 general election campaigns. The Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Mr. Augustine Okoh, gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Benin on Friday. He emphasized that the state government would not tolerate political thuggery, intimidation, destruction of property, and possession of dangerous weapons.
Okoh urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to caution their wards against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or groups to commit crimes, perpetrate violence, or disrupt public peace. He stressed that anyone found engaging in political violence or related criminal activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of their status or political affiliation.
According to Okoh, the governor's special security team has been fully deployed and placed on high alert across the 18 local government areas of the state. The team is expected to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the campaign period. Okoh also called on residents to support security agencies by maintaining peace and providing useful information that could help prevent violence and other criminal activities within the political period.
The warning comes as the 2027 general election campaigns approach, and the state government is taking proactive measures to ensure a peaceful and credible process. Okoh's statement was corroborated by the governor's recent threat to arrest a contractor handling the Benin-Abraka Road project, which has been abandoned.
Governor Okpebholo has been vocal about his commitment to ensuring a peaceful and successful election process in Edo state. He recently stated that one-man, one-vote would deliver 2.5 million votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The governor's efforts to ensure a peaceful election process have been commended by various stakeholders.
The Edo state government has been working to address various challenges facing the state, including infrastructure development and economic growth. The government's efforts to reclaim the beauty and dignity of King's Square, a popular public space in Benin, are also underway. Additionally, the government is exploring ways to increase the state's economic value and make Nigerian products more competitive in the global market.
As the 2027 general election campaigns intensify, the Edo state government is urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding. The government has assured residents that it will do everything possible to ensure a peaceful and credible election process. With the deployment of the special security team and the government's commitment to maintaining peace, residents are hopeful that the election process will be smooth and successful.
Key points
- The Edo state government has deployed a special security team across the 18 local government areas to maintain peace and order ahead of the 2027 general election campaigns.
