Edo guber election must go on – INEC

According to the source, the main reason for postponement is the security advice that was given by the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security. Four national INEC commissioners and the Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu have not been able to get further information from the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the DSS as they have denied given further information on the security threats that led to their advice. The main electoral body is seriously considering demobilizing its staff and resources deployed for the poll.

Nigerian police have stopped providing police personnel to assist INEC officials in distributing sensitive election materials since the security advice was given yesterday, the source said. The Department of State Services and Nigeria Police Force yesterday advised INEC to shift the governorship election, quoiting security concerns as the reason for the request.

The Peoples Democratic Party reacting to the calls for postponement of the electoral exercise has accused the APC of plotting to move the election due to fear of losing the poll. President Muhammadu Buhari, who visited the state for the All Progressives Congress final mega rally on September 6,Tuesday, has congratulated Godwin Obaseki, the Edo APC governorship candidate in advance.