Latest Update on Edo Governorship Election
By Wisdom Tide
September 22, 2024
In the early hours of Sunday, while most voters in Edo State were still asleep, a significant political altercation occurred at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City, the state capital. The clash threatened to disrupt the ongoing collation of results for the Saturday governorship election.
Midnight Crisis at INEC Office
The tense situation unfolded at the INEC headquarters, where final collation of the governorship election results was expected to begin. The crisis erupted shortly after Governor Godwin Obaseki led a protest to the INEC office, alleging that irregularities had marred the collation process.
Governor Obaseki arrived at the INEC premises at approximately 12:47 a.m., accompanied by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and other party supporters. While the governor proceeded into the main building for a private meeting with INEC officials, Ighodalo and others remained outside.
Allegations of Non-Compliance
During the standoff outside, Osarodion Ogie, the running mate of Asue Ighodalo, addressed journalists, accusing INEC of failing to adhere to established guidelines for the collation of election results. Ogie’s remarks further heightened tensions as the gathered crowd, consisting of political supporters and media personnel, waited for updates from inside the building.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., Frank Mbah, a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), arrived at the scene and entered the INEC office to assess the situation. His presence was expected to help mediate the escalating tensions between the political actors present.
Arrival of Opposition Leaders
As the confrontation continued, Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), arrived at the INEC office at around 3:27 a.m., accompanied by the APC National Secretary, Bashiru Ajibola, and several party supporters. Upon arriving, Idahosa vocally challenged the presence of Governor Obaseki inside the INEC premises, accusing him of overstepping his bounds.
"Obaseki, come outside! You have no business inside the INEC office," Idahosa shouted from the gate before being granted entry by the police.
Accusations of Thuggery
After a prolonged meeting that lasted for nearly an hour, the political leaders began exiting the building. Governor Obaseki left without making any public statement. However, in contrast, Bashiru Ajibola addressed journalists, condemning the governor’s actions. He labeled Obaseki's presence at the INEC office as an act of thuggery, stating that it was inappropriate for a sitting governor to intervene in the collation process while it was still ongoing.
Collation Postponed
Following the tense exchange, the final collation of results was postponed until 11 a.m. on Sunday. The postponement was seen as a measure to ensure the situation remained under control and to avoid further disruption to the electoral process.
As Edo State citizens await the outcome, the unfolding drama has highlighted the intense political competition in the state’s governorship race.
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