By Seyi Odewale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State have strengthened their collaboration to curb electoral violence and ensure peaceful elections.
The renewed partnership was underscored during a visit by the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Obo Effanga, to the NDLEA Command Headquarters in Benin City, where he met with the State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
Effanga commended the NDLEA for its professionalism and support during previous elections, noting that the agency played a critical role in reducing drug-induced violence capable of disrupting electoral processes.
According to the REC, substance abuse remains one of the major factors fueling political thuggery, voter intimidation and election-related unrest.
“INEC’s success in past elections was partly due to NDLEA’s role in curbing drug-induced violence capable of undermining peaceful elections,” he said.
He appealed for sustained cooperation ahead of future electoral exercises, stressing the need for proactive security measures to ensure credible, violence-free polls.
Responding, Ofoyeju assured the electoral body of the command’s readiness to intensify operations across identified drug flashpoints before, during and after elections.
“We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections. Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption,” he said.
The NDLEA commander added that peaceful elections could only thrive in an atmosphere free from drug abuse and criminal intimidation.
“Nigerians deserve peaceful, credible elections, and NDLEA will help pave the way for that,” he stated.
In a related development, the Faculty of Peace Organisation, a non-governmental organisation, also visited the command headquarters to seek collaboration on youth sensitisation and drug abuse prevention campaigns.
Leader of the delegation, Comrade Osunbor Kelly Omokaro, said the organisation was committed to promoting accountability, peace advocacy and anti-drug campaigns among young people.
He commended the Edo NDLEA Command for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse across communities in the state.
Ofoyeju welcomed the partnership, saying tackling drug abuse and its social consequences required collective action from government agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders.
“Drug abuse prevention requires all hands on deck. We welcome partners who are committed to building a drug abuse-free society through education and accountability,” he added.
The engagements highlighted growing collaboration among electoral authorities, security agencies and civil society groups as stakeholders intensify efforts to safeguard the electoral process and address the threat posed by illicit drugs in Edo State.
