The Nigerian Police Force has advised voters in the ongoing Edo State gubernatorial election to return home immediately after casting their ballots. Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, made this statement during a special edition of Channels Television’s Politics.

Mba’s remarks come after some political leaders, including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, urged Edo electorates to protect their votes and prevent malpractice.

“You can’t come and steal votes here in Edo. Therefore, protect your vote, defend your votes, make sure your votes are entered. Escort your votes and make sure they are announced, and if you do that, nobody can change your votes and you are winning come September 21,” Atiku said.

However, Mba emphasized that voters must cast their votes and return home, allowing only accredited individuals to move around.

“It is important for parents and for everybody to know that if you are not accredited to carry out any of the functions related to the election, you should not be out on the street. Just come, go out there, perform your civic duties, cast your vote and return to your home,” Mba said.

Regarding vote buying, Mba acknowledged the challenge but pledged to address offenders.

“Vote buying is one of the most difficult offences to actually police and manage… But our pledge is that the ones that happen in the glare of the public, the ones our security network are able to detect and intercept, we will deal with them.”

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun restricted movement in Edo ahead of the poll and banned security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centers.

The election features 17 candidates vying for the governorship seat at the Dennis Osadebe House in Benin City.