Edo Decides: Police allegedly blocks journalists’ free movement
Accreditation and voting has begun in Edo State where almost two million residents choose their next governor today.
Reports emanating from a part of the state say security operatives are barring the free movement of accredited journalists.
“Police and Civil Defence personnel denied accredited journalists passage at Ramat Park by Auchi Junction,” Punch reported.
It’s not clear if the “media ban” is taking place elsewhere in the state. Police didn’t respond to our calls to clarify why accredited journalists were denied passage.
Police and Civil Defence personnel have denied accredited journalists passage at Ramat Park by Auchi Junction. #EdoDecides
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) September 28, 2016
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expects a significant number of 1,915,105 registered voters to show up at their respective polling units. There are 2,627 of those with 4,011 polling points.
No less than 1,900 soldiers were deployed to provide security. The police deployed 25,000 officers. Civil Defence officers were also deployed to ensure safety for voters.
Nineteen political parties are participating in Wednesday’s poll but the battle remain an head-to-head between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Godwin Obaseki bears the flag for APC. Osagie Ize-Iyamu is PDP’s candidate.
