All is set for the Edo state gubernatorial election which has been tagged a two horse race between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Nineteen candidates are vying for the ticket to the Government House. However, main contest is seen to be between Godwin Obaseki of the APC and Andrew Ize-Iyamu of the PDP. Edo state has a total of 1,925,105 registered voters; 192 Registration Areas (RAs); 2,627 Polling Units (PUs); and 4,011 Voting Points (VPs). A total of 25,000 police officers were deployed across the state to ensure peace and security during the polls, while 44 observer groups were accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as election monitors.
It should be noted that the INEC has adopted the accreditation and vote system. NAIJ.com recalls that sensitive materials for the election have been handed over to the commission amid tight security by the police, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army. As at 7:45 am, INEC officials are already setting up ballot boxes at various centres in Benin city. Read our live coverage below. Remember to always refresh your browser for fresh update
11.20am’ PDP governorship aspirant Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his wife, arrive at Ward 1 in Oredo LGA for accreditation and voting. 11.08am’ Oyegun casting his vote at ward 2, Unit 2 Staff training centre, GRA Benin. Speaking with NAIJ.com, the national chairman said: “I’m pleasantly surprised. This is the best turnout I have experienced. It presume that people are keen to express their democratic right. It’s peaceful so far. Commenting on money induced voting, Oyegun said: “When I look at a place like this, how do you say someone is sharing money? Can you show me the person so I can collect my own? He also praised the press for turning out em mass to cover the election.
8.25am’ In PU12/11/02/006, Ikpoba/Okha LGA. INEC officials just arrived and are setting up. However, no police around but voters turnout is high. 8.20am’ Materials have arrived at polling unit 02 ward 12, Etsako West LGA, Edo state. Meanwhile, at Polling Unit 12/15/01/001, INEC officials arrived by 7.10am. Accreditation and voting commenced by 8am. Security are also present. 8.18am’ There is presence of police officers and other security agents at Garrick Primary School Polling unit 12/12/01/018. NAIJ.com also gathered that Ward 1, Unit 18 with 2 voting points A and B Garrick Memorial Primary School has 1200 ballot papers. 8.15am’ Soldiers have arrested some motorists in second junction, Akpakpava road in Benin for wandering. It was also gathered that police and Civil Defence personnel have denied accredited journalists passage at Ramat Park by Auchi Junction. 8.12am’ For the first time in Africa, special people and those living with disabilities will partake in the election. Polling also opened early in lots of units across the state as Edo decides. 8.10am’ INEC officials are just setting up at the Staff training centre, unit 1 and 2, ward 2, Oredo LGA.
The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is expected to vote here. 7.50am’ At Ward 2, polling unit 5, Oredo LGA, accreditation and voting process is about to kick off. Security operatives are on ground as well. The card reader is also working well.
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