‘Do or Die’: Security concerns rise as Edo votes tomorrow

Anxiety has been mounting in Edo State as political parties jostle to win the governorial election.

Observations show an atmosphere of uncertainty, especially following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s threatening statement on a “do or die” affair and All Progressives Congress (APC) “federal might” threats.

Governor Obaseki’s violent threat and his refusal to sign the peace accord are signalling danger and palpable voter apathy, as some residents have expressed fear of coming out to exercise their franchise.

Interviews with some residents showed panic and indecisiveness about coming out to vote.

To some people, the threats cannot be easily waved aside because some desperate politicians can do anything just to win elections.

A resident, Omorodion Emmanuel, said, “Politicians can take any risk, even kill, just to get what they want, so I am afraid of coming out of my house. I am the only son of my parents, and the atmosphere is frightening.”

Another resident, Mrs. Cordilia Akugbe, said, “Certainly there will be voter apathy because of Governor Obaseki’s threats on ‘do or die’ affairs.”

Meanwhile, with the ongoing bickering and bitter politics currently being played in Edo, the fight for power in the state is not going to be an easy one.

There are also diverging views that elections do not count anymore in the country, hence some withdrawal and lack of interest by citizens.

Citing the 2023 general elections, some residents believe that staying alive to watch politicians fight themselves at the polls is better than going to vote, which may not be counted.

Though voters are piqued over recent insecurity challenges, including the killing of a police officer attached to the APC candidate in the state, Monday Okpewholo, and the arrest of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supporters, key players in the game appear unperturbed by the unfolding events.

Reacting to the various attacks and counter-attacks among the political class witnessed so far, candidates of the 17 political parties have agreed to go for the election, though the deployment of police, soldiers, DSS, and other security agencies may put voters off balance. The reason being that the number of security personnel in the state will scare residents.

However, Kassim Afegbua, Head of the Campaign Committee for APC, has advised against any political infraction.

He said, “Just that Obaseki is threatening violence in such reckless verbiage. Otherwise, we are preparing for peaceful electoral conduct. But we are further assured by Edo people, who are in agreement that Edo needs change for the better. For this, we will go to the polls and peacefully vote for our party.”

A PDP stalwart, who did not want his name in print, simply said, “We are not having any fear because INEC is supposed to do the needful and provide a level playing field for the election, while the security personnel are deployed to protect life and materials from being snatched. That done, of course, voter safety is thus guaranteed.”