Opposition political parties in Edo have urged security agencies to end alleged intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, and other acts that could undermine peaceful participation in the 2027 general elections.

The parties made the call at a stakeholders’ forum convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City on Tuesday.

Helen Uwangue, the state chairman of the Labour Party, said the absence of consequences for electoral offences had encouraged repeated violations.

“Opposition parties have suffered intimidation in the past. So, we want assurance that all parties will be protected equally. No party should use security to oppress others,” she said.

Ms Uwangue also called on INEC to maintain transparency and impartiality, ensure early release of electoral guidelines and prevent manipulation during the collation of results.

Similarly, Sylvester Ewanehi, deputy state chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed concerns over what he described as increasing intimidation of opposition parties.

He urged political leaders and security agencies to address alleged acts of political violence and ensure that electoral competition is conducted peacefully.

Mathew Edaghese, state legal adviser of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleged that his party’s supporters had been victims of violence and called for prosecution of perpetrators, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“When you create an exception for bad behaviour, you are creating an incentive for more bad behaviour,” he said, stressing that electoral offences should attract consequences rather than repeated appeals for peace.

Noshagare Ogiebor, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also alleged that his party’s campaign materials had been destroyed.

He urged the police to investigate these incidents and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The state chairman of the BOOT Party, Osiriame Edeipo, called for equal application of the law, arguing that political parties should enjoy the same protection regardless of their size or status.

He also faulted the short notice for the meeting, saying political parties needed adequate time to prepare for important engagements on electoral security.

The Edo State assistant secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Obuoh, defended his party against allegations of involvement in political violence.

He urged political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and presenting their candidates and manifesto to voters.

Mr Obuoh said electoral competition should be based on persuading voters rather than accusing political opponents.

Responding to the concerns, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, Obbo Effanga, said INEC remains committed to providing a level playing field for all parties but expected them to conduct their activities in accordance with the law.

“Violence and threats of violence should not be part of politics and campaigns,” Mr Effanga said, warning against attacks on opponents, disruption of political meetings, intimidation of electoral officials, destruction of campaign materials and cyberbullying.

He said the commission convened the meeting to engage political parties directly, address emerging concerns and prevent actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

Mr Effanga also clarified that law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing criminal laws, urging parties to report offences and provide relevant information to aid investigations.

The INEC boss explained that the register displayed online is an interim version intended to allow claims and objections before the final register is produced.

He urged anyone who suspected irregularities to identify specific entries for investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Patrick Daaor, urged political parties to notify the police before holding rallies and other public events to enable adequate security arrangements.

He said the police cannot effectively investigate allegations without specific information identifying suspected perpetrators.

“If you know the people who attacked you, let us have their names. How do you want me to handle that?” he asked, urging parties to cooperate with security agencies rather than make allegations without evidence.

Mr Daoor said police were investigating the attack on entertainer Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, and cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigations were complete.

The forum also featured concerns about alleged vote-buying, the presence of weapons during elections, the handling of result sheets and questions over photographs on the online voters’ register.

(NAN)