Growing reports of political intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, and violence are raising fresh concerns over the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections in Edo State.
These issues took centre stage during a recent stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin City, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. Representatives of various political parties demanded stronger security measures, equal protection, and prompt punishment for electoral offenders.
The dialogue took place after an attack on October 23, 2026, targeted Benin-based entertainer Osagie Idiedia, popularly known as MC Porkupyne. Unknown assailants ambushed the entertainer while he was returning from an outing, sparking sharp accusations of political intimidation from opposition figures.
However, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo dismissed claims of government involvement, stating that available intelligence pointed to cult-related activities. The Edo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the assault is still underway to identify the culprits.
At the forum, Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner Obo Effanga promised that the commission would provide a level playing field for every political platform. He warned that 13 parties attended the meeting and urged politicians to steer clear of attacks, threats, cyberbullying, misinformation, and disrupting the work of journalists and poll officials.
Effanga stressed that peaceful polls require political parties to respect the law and rein in their supporters, remarking that violence and threats of violence must not be part of campaigns.
Despite those assurances, opposition leaders remained doubtful. Peoples Democratic Party state chairman Noshagare Ogiebor reported that his party's campaign materials had been destroyed and demanded a police inquiry. Labour Party state chairman Helen Uwangue warned that the lack of punishment for electoral offences fuels bad behaviour, demanding equal security cover for all participants.
Officials from the BOOT Party, National Democratic Congress, African Democratic Congress, and Action Peoples Party also aired grievances ranging from illegal arms proliferation to fears over result collation.
