Strong criticism has been voiced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the acts of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and other political figures who showed up at the state’s collation center without permission early on Sunday. Channels TV said that INEC deemed the action unacceptable and issued a warning against any attempts to tamper with the electoral process.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Obaseki, who arrived at the INEC collation centre in Benin City around 2 AM, protested alleged anomalies in the collation of results from several local government areas, including Oredo. His protest was cut short when security forces led by DIG Mba and the Nigerian Army intervened, escorting him out of the premises by 4:10 AM.
Criticism also came from within the opposition. APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, questioned Obaseki’s presence at the centre, stating, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here,” while accusing the governor of abusing his office. Around the same time, PDP’s candidate Asue Ighodalo was also turned away from the premises.
The situation intensified when members of the APC, including Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, led a group of protesters at about 3:30 AM to demand that Governor Obaseki leave the collation centre, further escalating tensions.
Reacting to the controversy, INEC’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, condemned the overnight visits by political figures and their supporters. “We are similarly disturbed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation.
These actions are uncalled for,” Haruna said during a press conference. He further warned, “Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.”
INEC urged all stakeholders to respect the integrity of the electoral process and refrain from actions that could jeopardize the collation of results.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
