The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, met with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, assuring him that the Nigerian Army, along with other security agencies, has President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for Saturday, September 21.
During the meeting, which took place at the Government House in Benin City, Musa emphasized that the military’s presence in Edo was to support the peaceful conduct of the election. He called for calm among political actors, stressing that elections should not raise unnecessary tension. Drawing comparisons with other nations that conduct elections without disruption, he expressed concern over why such practices are different in Nigeria.
Musa assured Obaseki that the military would not take sides and was solely focused on ensuring that the people’s choice prevails. He highlighted that the military has upheld similar standards in previous elections and would do so again in Edo. Additionally, he urged Edo citizens to vote confidently, assuring them of their safety and warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the peace would face the law.
Governor Obaseki, in his remarks, begged General Musa to appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressing concerns over police involvement in intimidating citizens. He pointed to the #EndSARS protests and the difficulties Edo State faced in rebuilding the burnt-down police stations, calling for a more impartial and fair handling of security. Obaseki specifically highlighted incidents where people were being arrested and detained in Abuja, rather than being tried within the state, which has caused growing mistrust and tension among the public.
Obaseki reiterated that all he asked for was a fair and secure environment for citizens to vote without intimidation, emphasizing that his administration would respect the outcome of a well-conducted election. Musa assured that the military’s mandate from the President was clear: to ensure peace, fairness, and credibility throughout the electoral process.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also voiced its readiness for the election, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of importing thugs from neighboring states and framing the election as a battle between federal and popular forces. They expressed confidence that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
The CDS concluded by warning that the military would not tolerate anyone bearing arms or attempting to disrupt the process. He reiterated that the armed forces were there to uphold peace, not to take sides, and urged all stakeholders to allow the people of Edo to vote freely.
