The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 2,629,025 voters are expected to participate in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21.
Prof. Rhoda Gumus, INEC’s Supervising National Commissioner for Edo, Delta, and Cross River States, disclosed this during the presentation of voter registers to political party representatives at the commission’s Benin office.
She emphasized that the presentation, which aligns with the Electoral Act 2022, is part of the 10th of 13 preparatory activities for the election.
Gumus urged all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election, highlighting that “election should not be a do-or-die affair.” She encouraged politicians and their supporters to avoid violence, noting that problems often arise on election day.
Gumus assured that INEC is prepared for a smooth election with support from security agencies, aiming for a peaceful, free, and fair process.
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo, stated that while 2,501,081 voters were registered for the 2023 general elections, an additional 173,048 were registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration period.
After validation, this has brought the total to 2,501,081 eligible voters.
Onuoha advised eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at ward registration centers from August 22 to 26, and at local government offices from August 28 to September 8.
Campaigns are set to end on September 19, ahead of the election.
Greg Igbinomwanhia, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo and the state’s People’s Redemption Party Chairman, praised INEC for its preparations.
He called for a peaceful election and urged political leaders and their supporters to avoid violence, ensuring a smooth transition for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor.
