The All Progressives Congress (APC) official flag off of Edo 2016 gubernatorial election held yesterday amid tight security at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The stadium which was filled with the party national and state leaders as well as its teaming supporters across the state were provided water-tight security before and after the event.

The Commissioner of Police and the Director of Department of State Services (DSS) Mr Chris Ezike and Mr Halilu Ibrahim respectively, were at the venue to ensue strict compliance to security strategies by operatives.

Officials of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also assisted to provide security.

Commenting on the security in and outside the stadium, some APC faithful stated that the security operatives have done their homework as the gathering is that of a family.

They expressed hope that when the arrangement is sustained as assured by the heads of security agencies in the state, the Edo 2016 would be an example for others.

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It will be recalled that prior to the commencement of the primaries the commissioner of police disclosed that the command deployed over 1,200 personnel to provide water-tight security for the exercise.

He said that the entire 7,871 workforce of the state police command along with some operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies were put on red alert.

“I want to say that the police in conjunction with other security services are ready to do the needful, to provide safety and security to the delegates, officials, aspirants themselves and their agents.

“We are also ready to provide security to the good people of Edo State so that there will not be any bitterness, rancour and acrimony in the course of the primaries.

“As you are aware the party sets the rules in the primaries, so our jobs is to police the rules as set, however, violence is not a tool in an election”. CP Ezike stated.