YIAGA dentified eight LGAs as potential hotspots for violence during Saturday's off-cycle poll.in the state.
SPECIAL REPORT: Antimicrobial resistance crisis heightens in Nigeria, other countriesHow Ukraine’s Superhuman Centre is helping war heroes walk againINVESTIGATION: How displaced Nigerian villagers are massacred in search for foodYIAGA Africa, a civil society organisation, has identified eight local government areas in Edo State that could potentially become hotspots during the ongoing governorship election process in the state.
YIAGA highlighted the involvement of cult groups in the campaign process and the high level of proliferation of small arms across the country.“The activities of cult groups and political thugs have intensified amidst the proliferation of small and light arms. YIAGA Africa is concerned that politicians will tactically employ violence and intimidation to suppress voters in specific polling units and LGAs,” the statement reads in part.
“These monetary gifts, ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000, raise serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. These practices of voter inducement undermine the integrity of the electoral process, as they can distort the free will of the electorate and compromise the democratic principle of free and fair elections.”The group noted that the practice may extend to election day, turning polling units into the epicentre of vote buying.
Over 2.2 million voters are expected to participate in Saturday’s poll, which observers believe will be a three-horse race between Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party , and Monday Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress .
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