The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, affirmed on Wednesday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not have a preferred candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders, including representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies in Benin City, Musa emphasized that the President’s “favorite” will be the candidate elected by the people of Edo.
He stated, “We want this election to be the most peaceful,” reflecting the President’s mandate for a fair electoral process, according to Daily Post.
Musa assured attendees that the military is committed to upholding a free and credible election in Edo.
The military chief warned that any officer attempting to disrupt the electoral process would face serious consequences.
He also reiterated that only authorized security personnel would be permitted to carry arms during the election, advising local vigilante groups to refrain from involvement.
Musa called for cooperation among security agencies, emphasizing their role in creating a secure environment for voters.
He pledged that the military would act professionally and work closely with INEC to ensure the election runs smoothly.
“The police are the leading agency regarding security, and our role is to support them to ensure a free and fair election,” he added, noting that the military has experience in election security.
“Mr President does not have any favourite. His favourite is whoever the people of Edo vote for and that’s what we must ensure that happens.
“The military has the presidential mandate to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election in Edo”, he said.
“What I bring from Abuja is peace and assurance that we will act professionally during the election.
“Election must be free, fair and credible; for this implies that any other person with any other intention other than a peaceful election probably will face the consequences.
“I also want to reiterate, though the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, has said it, that the armed forces will not accept any other individual carrying arms.
“Members of local security networks or vigilantes should stay off the election duties, they are not part of the statutory agencies for election”, he said.
The chief of defence staff, who also warned the personnel of the forces deployed for the election never to compromise, vowed that any personnel who compromises would surely face the music.
He, however, sued for cooperation among the security agencies.
He also noted that the security agencies must provide an enabling environment for the electorate to cast their votes.
“What we have to do is to support the INEC because it is the one conducting the election.
‘The police are the leading agency when it comes to security. So everything we do on security is to support the police to ensure that it is free and fair.
“We have taken part in elections over and over. So this is not going to be a new thing”, he stated.
