Ahead of the Saturday governorship election in Edo State, an observer and monitoring group, the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, has appealed to political parties fielding candidates in the weekend process to refrain from conduct that could jeopardise a free, fair election in the South-South state.
The Executive Director of the CTA, Faith Nwadishi, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that feelers from Edo State after the Forum engagement with stakeholders were not reassuring in terms of actual violence and threats of intimidation by supporters of certain parties eligible to field candidates in the election.
While it acknowledged proactive measures by security agencies to protect lives and property during and after the election, the CTA further admonished politicians to eschew violence, which it noted could only undermine democracy and ultimately truncate representative government.
Its statement reads in part: “Events of the past and Matters Arising Despite the preparations, events in recent past in Edo State political landscape has left much to be worried about by concerned Nigerians. There was reported violence among some politicians, their agents, and supporters, with each seeking supremacy with counter-accusations that have left Edo State bleeding, especially with the killing of police personnel near the Benin Airport on the 18th of July, 2024.
“According to recent reports, there has been an increase in violent conflicts, intimidation, and attacks against political opponents, which have left casualties, destroyed properties, and claimed lives. This is an undesirable trend that jeopardises the basis of our democracy.
“The CTA strongly denounces these violent activities and urges all parties involved to stop forthwith, show restraint, and eschew violence in all its ramifications, while the security agencies must act right now to stop the situation from disrupting the election.
“As the people of Edo State prepare to go to the polls to elect their next governor, the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) urges all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, credible, and free electoral process.
“We call on all political parties and their supporters to shun violence and any form of electoral malpractice. The election should be a contest of ideas, policies, and visions for the future of Edo State, not a battle of might and intimidation.
“As we move closer to the election date, we urge all stakeholders to remain committed to the principles of democracy and fairness. We call on the electorate to exercise their right to vote and on electoral officials to conduct the election with integrity.”
The CTA further implored “Political parties and their backers to respect opponents’ rights and adopt nonviolent campaign strategies as they draw close to open campaigns before the election.”
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