Allegations of Election Irregularities in Edo Governorship Election: Observers Raise Concerns Over 2 Different Result Sheets
A coalition of 25 observer groups has strongly criticized the conduct of the recent governorship election in Edo State, asserting that the process fell short of the required standards and violated provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. The election, held last Saturday, has been marred by accusations of irregularities during the collation of results, as reported by DAILY POST. The observer groups expressed deep concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the election process, particularly at the ward and local government levels.
Allegations of Two Sets of Result Sheets
In a joint statement issued by the coalition’s representatives, including Mrs. Rose Akhigbe, Peter Nwokolo, Anyasor Gabriel, and Sunny Elekwa, the observers raised alarming concerns about the existence of two sets of result sheets. According to the statement, one set of result sheets was sent to the field for use in the official collation process, while another set was reportedly given to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in parts of Edo North, South, and Central.
"We reject the result declared because there are two sets of result sheets. One was taken to the field and another one to APC in Edo North, some parts of Edo South and Edo Central," the statement read.
This alleged manipulation of result sheets represents a serious breach of the electoral process, undermining the credibility of the results and casting doubt on the fairness of the election.
Disruption of Collation Process by Security Forces
The observer groups further accused security forces, including the military and police, of actively disrupting the collation of results at ward and local government levels. They alleged that security personnel intimidated officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the collation process, violating both the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
"We observed that the military and police disrupted the collation of results at the wards and local governments' collation centres, including intimidation of INEC officials that collated results contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines," the statement continued.
This reported interference by security forces not only raises concerns about the integrity of the election but also questions the impartiality of institutions meant to safeguard the democratic process.
Rejection of Election Results
The observer groups categorically rejected the final result, which declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the governorship election. They argued that the election was characterized by militarization, the use of impunity, and the failure to follow due process in the collation of results.
"We reject the result of the election which declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, winner. There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments, and state collation centres," the coalition stated.
The groups emphasized that while results from over 4,500 polling units and some wards appeared transparent, the collation at the ward and local government levels, particularly in the INEC office in Benin City, failed to comply with the law.
Key Issues Identified
Several critical issues were identified by the observer groups:
Existence of Two Result Sheets: The alleged production and use of two sets of result sheets significantly undermine the transparency of the election process.
Security Forces Interference: The reported involvement of military and police personnel in disrupting the collation process and intimidating INEC officials raises serious concerns about electoral integrity.
Violation of Electoral Act: The observer groups accused INEC and security agencies of violating the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly concerning the collation of results.
Militarization of Election Process: The excessive involvement of the military and police in the electoral process points to a broader issue of impunity and the erosion of democratic values.
Proposed Solutions to Restore Electoral Integrity
In light of these allegations, the following recommendations are put forward to address the issues and restore confidence in the electoral process:
Independent Investigation: A thorough and independent investigation should be launched to assess the validity of the claims regarding the two sets of result sheets. This investigation should be conducted by a neutral body, free from political influence, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Reform of Security Involvement in Elections: The role of security forces in the electoral process needs to be critically examined. A clear framework should be established to prevent undue interference by the military and police during elections. Security personnel should be trained on the importance of neutrality and professionalism during elections.
Strengthening INEC’s Independence: The independence of INEC must be reinforced to ensure that it can operate without fear of intimidation or political interference. This may involve legal reforms to grant INEC greater autonomy and protection.
Use of Technology for Result Collation: To enhance the credibility of the collation process, technology should be used more effectively in the transmission of results from polling units to the central collation centre. The introduction of real-time result transmission could help minimize opportunities for manipulation and reduce the reliance on manual collation processes.
Legal Accountability: Those found guilty of violating the Electoral Act, whether through result manipulation or interference in the collation process, must be held accountable. This could include the prosecution of both INEC officials and security personnel involved in any unlawful activities.
Civic Education and Voter Awareness: Efforts should be made to educate voters and the public about their rights and the importance of free and fair elections. Observer groups and civil society organizations can play a critical role in raising awareness and advocating for electoral reforms.
Conclusion
The allegations surrounding the recent Edo governorship election highlight serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. The reported use of two result sheets, interference by security forces, and violations of the Electoral Act all point to the need for urgent reforms. By addressing these issues through independent investigations, legal accountability, and electoral reforms, Nigeria can work toward ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and credible.
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