As Edo State prepares for its offseason governorship election, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa issued a stern warning to anyone planning to create chaos before, during, or after the election. Speaking in Benin, the state capital, during strategic meetings with key stakeholders on Wednesday, Gen. Musa emphasized the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the election is free, fair, and credible.
During his visit, General Musa met with Governor Godwin Obaseki and senior military officials to discuss security preparations. The CDS outlined that the military has a clear presidential mandate to safeguard the electoral process, preventing any form of violence or crisis that could jeopardize the credibility of the election. He highlighted the military’s zero-tolerance stance on attempts to disrupt the peace and assured the public that security forces are fully mobilized to respond swiftly to any threat.
Musa’s warning comes amid concerns about potential unrest in Edo State, a critical battleground in Nigeria’s Southsouth region. Past elections in Nigeria have been marred by violence and irregularities, prompting extra attention to the security framework for the Saturday polls. The military’s presence, backed by the presidential directive, is intended to foster confidence in the electoral process while deterring those with plans to undermine it.
The CDS urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear, promising that security forces are on high alert to ensure voters’ safety. He also called on all political actors and their supporters to respect the rule of law and accept the election results peacefully. As the election draws near, Musa’s assurance reflects the federal government’s priority to uphold democratic values in Edo State.
This strong stance by the military serves as a reminder that any attempt to derail the electoral process will not be tolerated. With the military’s support, expectations are high for a smooth and credible election that reflects the will of the people.
