Opposition Parties Demand Punishment for Electoral Offenders to Deter Malpractices

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin City

Opposition political parties in Edo State have asked concerned authorities to punish electoral offenders to discourage repeated violations.

They said if offenders were left unpunished, they would be tempted to repeat the offences due to the lack of consequences.

They also called on security agencies to end alleged intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and other acts capable of undermining peaceful participation in the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City, opposition parties urged security agencies to remain impartial and ensure equal protection for all political parties before, during and after the elections.

Chairman of Labour Party (LP) in the state, Ms Helen Uwangue, said the absence of consequences for electoral offences had encouraged repeated violations.

On intimidation of opposition parties in the state, Uwangue urged security agencies to protect them.

She stated, “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.”

Similarly, Deputy State Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Sylvester Ewanehi, expressed concern over what he described as increasing intimidation of opposition parties.

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

State Legal Adviser of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Mathew Edaghese, alleged that his party’s supporters had been victims of violence. Edaghese called for the 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.

State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Noshagare Ogiebor, also alleged that campaign materials belonging to his party had been destroyed.

Ogiebor urged the police to investigate such incidents and ensure that those responsible were held accountable, while appealing to political parties to avoid intimidation and conduct peaceful campaigns.

State Chairman of BOOT Party, Mr Osiriame Edeipo, called for equal application of the law, stating that political parties should enjoy the same protection regardless of their size or status.

Edo State Assistant Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Samuel Obuoh, defended his party against allegations of involvement in political violence.

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

Responding, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, Mr Obbo Effanga, said INEC was 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,” Effiang said, warning against attacks on opponents, disruption of political meetings, intimidation of electoral officials, destruction of campaign materials, and cyberbullying.

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

Effanga also clarified that the responsibility for enforcing criminal laws rested with law enforcement agencies, urging parties to report offences and provide relevant information to aid investigation.

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

Daaor said the police could not effectively investigate allegations without specific information identifying suspected perpetrators