Deputy Inspector General of Police Frank Mba announced that police orderlies and VIP protection details will be withdrawn 48 hours prior to the Edo State governorship election.
Only the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy will retain their personal security details during the election.
Mba made this statement at the Edo Security Town Hall meeting on Sunday.
He also revealed that the police will intensify security measures at the state borders ahead of the election.
Specifically, Mba stated that police personnel assigned to VIP protection will be demobilized and deactivated 48 hours before the election and are not permitted to accompany their principals to polling stations.
This announcement comes as the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for next Saturday, heats up with key contenders including Asue Ighodalo, Monday Okpebholo, and Olumide Akpata.
Notably, Governor Obaseki has declared the election a “do-or-die affair” and refused to sign a peace accord, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole and others will be without police protection during the election.