The Edo State government has sounded the alarm over the takeover of some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices by political thugs. Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration expressed concern through Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who commended the military for thwarting an attempted takeover of the INEC office in Oredo Local Government Area.
Nehikhare revealed that thugs had taken control of INEC offices in Estako West and Esan West Local Government Areas, urging the military to secure all 18 LGAs and protect INEC facilities. He reassured residents that they would not be intimidated and encouraged mass voter turnout.
The commissioner praised the military's intervention in preventing thug attacks in Oredo, calling for sustained momentum. Nehikhare emphasized the importance of alerting Nigerians and the international community to these developments as the state prepares for the September 21 election.
According to Nehikhare, INEC offices in Estako West and Esan West have been seized by thugs aiming to disrupt the electoral process. He also identified collation centers in Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba/Okha as potential targets, noting these areas are strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As Nehikhare stated, "The soldiers repelled the thugs, and the thugs have since moved across the road from the INEC facility. The soldiers successfully stopped the thugs from invading the INEC facility. We urge the military to carry out similar actions across the other 17 LGAs."