TheCable

The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the deployment of security operatives for the governorship election.

The gubernatorial election in the state is scheduled for Saturday.

Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police, had announced that 31,000 police personnel will be on the ground to ensure a peaceful election.

He said the deployment “is not only to deter misguided political actors, but to show that they will be brought to justice, while those who go out peacefully to exercise their rights will be protected”.

Adamu had also approved deployment of Adeleye Oyebade, deputy inspector-general of police in charge of research and planning; Karma Hassan, an assistant inspector-general of police; and eight commissioners of police to coordinate security operations during the election.

Reacting to the development while addressing journalists on Tuesday, Chris Osa Nehikhare, PDP publicity secretary in Edo, said the security arrangement deserves commendation.

He said the party is confident that the election will be devoid of violence, thereby encouraging voters to come out on Saturday to exercise their franchise.

Nehikhare also urged voters to reelect Godwin Obaseki, incumbent governor of the state, who is the party’s candidate.

“The efforts so far put in place by the Buhari-led government to ensure the security and safety of Edo people, before, during and after the election, deserve commendation,” he said.

“With the massive deployment of men of the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to Edo State to supervise Saturday’s election, we are confident that the election will be crisis-free.

“President Buhari’s commitment to the safety and security of voters in the state will bolster confidence among voters and will ultimately impact positively on voter turnout.”