Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,300 personnel across the state's 18 local government areas to provide security before, during, and after the local government election scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026. The State Commandant, Akintayo Ayinla, announced the deployment during a press briefing in Benin City, stating that the officers would be spread across the three senatorial districts, with a particular focus on polling units, collation centres, and identified flashpoints.
According to Ayinla, the command has concluded all necessary security arrangements to ensure that lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure, are protected throughout the electoral process. He assured residents that the corps is fully prepared to discharge its constitutional mandate and create a secure environment for a peaceful election. "The Edo State Command has concluded all necessary security arrangements ahead of the forthcoming local government election," Ayinla said. "We are fully prepared to ensure that lives and property, as well as critical national assets, are protected before, during, and after the election".
The NSCDC spokesperson, Ogbebor Efosa, who issued a statement on behalf of the command, reiterated the corps' commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to ensure that the election is free, fair, credible, and peaceful. He called on all political parties, candidates, their supporters, and other stakeholders to abide by the electoral laws, shun all forms of violence and electoral malpractice, and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the exercise. Efosa also encouraged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear, assuring them of adequate security throughout the electoral process.
The local government election will see 12 political parties contest for chairmanship and councillorship positions across Edo's 18 local government areas. The parties fielding candidates include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Accord Party (AP), African Action Congress (AAC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Action Peoples Party (APP). Notably, major opposition parties, including the Labour Party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not field any candidates for the election.
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has confirmed its readiness for the poll, having successfully recruited and trained 10,000 ad hoc staff to manage the voting process. Acting Secretary of EDSIEC, Abebe Emmanuel, commended the political parties for demonstrating commitment to due process and adhering to the established guidelines and timelines. He reiterated the commission's unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.
The NSCDC's deployment of 1,300 personnel underscores the importance attached to ensuring a peaceful electoral process in Edo State. The command has assured residents that it is working in synergy with other security agencies to guarantee a secure environment for voters. As the state prepares for Saturday's poll, all eyes will be on the conduct of the election and the effectiveness of the security arrangements put in place by the NSCDC and other agencies. The command has urged all stakeholders to cooperate and contribute to a peaceful and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
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