Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, has said that political actors in Edo State are preparing for a showdown.

Itodo stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

He said that in the buildup to the September 21 election, activities of cult groups in the state had increased.

He called on the security agencies to remain impartial.

Itodo urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy people of impeccable character to manage the election.

He said, “We have an increase in the activities of cult groups in the buildup to the election. We have seen attacks on political candidates and supporters. We have seen destruction at party rallies.

“These pre-election signs clearly demonstrate that the political actors are not preparing for elections on September 21; they are preparing for showdown; they are preparing for war.

“This is where our security agencies including INEC as a stakeholder need to put the interest of the people first. If the voters in Edo don’t feel a secure environment will be provided on September 21, they will not come out to cast their votes; they will not show up. If this happens, we deny the people of Edo the opportunity to exercise their franchise.

“We are calling on the political actors on both sides of the divide to put the interest of their state first by complying with the rules of the game.

“Security operatives should handle the election in an impartial, transparent and democratic approach. That way, they can inspire confidence in the stakeholders. Those to manage the election should be individuals of impeccable character.” (Daily Trust)