PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo has raised concerns over security threats in the Edo State election. He accused armed men of arresting party members at polling units, alleging voter intimidation. Heavy rain also delayed the arrival of INEC officials, causing frustration among voters at several polling stations.
Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Edo State governorship election, has raised concerns about security threats during the voting process. On September 21, 2024, Ighodalo claimed that some of his party's members were being targeted by armed men in mufti at polling units, disrupting the election.
He alleged that in Uromi's Ward 8, Unit 3, one PDP supporter was arrested by individuals carrying guns, which is illegal in polling stations. Ighodalo criticized the intimidation tactics, stating, "Nobody should carry guns into a polling unit. It’s against the law, but you see people acting indiscriminately, trying to intimidate our supporters."
The election, seen as a tight contest between Ighodalo and his rivals Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been marred by security concerns. Additionally, heavy rain delayed the arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and election materials at the Idrion Vocational Centre in Okaegben, Esan South East Local Government Area.
Ighodalo, who is scheduled to vote at Ward 1, Unit 3 in Ewohimi, expressed frustration over the disruptions, and some voters voiced anger at the delay in accreditation and the start of voting. An upset voter remarked, "We’ve been here since 7 a.m., but no sign of INEC officials. Only security men are present."
