Security has been stepped up in Enugu as the tribunal renders its decision.

As the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is ready to issue a ruling on a petition filed over the state's March 18 election, security was stepped up on Thursday.

Mr. Chijioke Edeoga, a candidate for the Labour Party (LP), filed the petition to contest Mr. Peter Mbah's declaration of being the elected governor on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The head of the tribunal's three-person panel is Justice Kudirat Morayo.

NAN, which is following the situation, reports that members of the police's Rapid Response Squad have taken up positions in key areas to prevent any potential violent protests.

Three Armoured Personal Carriers (APCs) and nine Toyota Hilux vans were stationed around the tribunal's grounds.

A total of 50 police officers, soldiers, DSS agents, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) members could be observed in various formations all around the tribunal's grounds.

The overwhelming presence of security personnel in the region and in key sites, according to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesman in Enugu State, was regular.

He added that the action was taken to guarantee everyone's safety prior to, during, and following the judgment's delivery. (NAN)