IGP Reveals Plans By Politicians To Use Thugs During Edo, Ondo Elections

Inspector-general of police, Mohammed Adamu  warned against violence in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo state governorship elections.

Speaking today, the IGP announced tha some politicians are arming thugs ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

Edo and Ondo’s election has been scheduled for September 19 and October 10, respectively

Speaking through the force’s spokesman, Frank Mba, in a statement today, the IGP called attention to both states following election security threat assessment reports submitted by the commissioners of police from both states.

The reports said that there is a high likelihood of violence and possible cross-attack by political opponents during the polls.

“The Election Security Threat Analysis reveals amongst other indicators: arming and movement of political thugs, use of inciting statements during political campaigns, high likelihood of violence and possible cross attack by political opponents, misinformation/disinformation aimed at heating-up of the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimizing government institutions involved in the electoral processes,” the statement read.

“The IGP, however, warns the politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo that the Force would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone or group, irrespective of status, that may want to sabotage the security arrangement being emplaced for the elections.”

The IGP further asked politicians and their supporters to desist from undermining the electoral process in both states.