In the ongoing governorship election in Benin metropolis, Edo, the voting process is going smoothly amid tight security. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report notes that security agents were deployed early to many polling units across Benin metropolis and other parts of Edo State, contributing to increased voter turnout in the Saturday governorship election.
A visit by NAN correspondents to various polling units revealed impressive voter turnout. Many citizens expressed satisfaction with the presence of the security forces, stressing that it gave them confidence that any violent activity by desperate politicians would be prevented.
A voter, Sunday Igeh, testified that the presence of the security forces encouraged him to vote because it meant that any attempt to disrupt public order would be swiftly contained. He also commended the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparedness, saying materials and officials were already on site as early as 8am.
The Majority Leader in the Edo State House of Assembly and Campaign Manager of the PDP, Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, commended INEC for the early commencement of the electoral exercise. He cast his vote exactly at 9:58am at Ward 5, Unit 46, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Benin.
“From the early arrival of the electoral officers, materials and accreditation operations, we do not anticipate any problem. I find the electoral process is going well so far and INEC is doing its best at present,” he said.
Crucially, representatives of different political parties have also commended the smooth conduct of the electoral process, stressing its credibility and smoothness. The reassuring presence of the security forces has helped create a stable environment conducive to unhindered electoral participation.
In sum, through these testimonies and observations on the ground, it emerges that the ongoing governorship election in Benin, Edo, is taking place in a calm and orderly manner, thus offering citizens the opportunity to participate democratically in this crucial process for the future of the State.