Wonders Shall Never End: Nigerians React as INEC's IREV Portal Shows Asue Ighodalo of PDP Won Edo Governorship Election
Controversy Surrounds Election Results
A significant controversy has erupted following the announcement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the Edo governorship election held on September 22, 2024. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo victorious, but the results published on INEC’s Independent Results Viewing (IREV) portal suggest a different outcome. According to the IREV data, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, secured more votes in the election.
IREV Data vs. Official Results
Asue Ighodalo, representing the PDP, reportedly garnered 314,676 votes across the 18 local government areas of Edo State, as shown on INEC’s IREV portal. On the other hand, the APC candidate, Okpebholo, initially lagged behind but was later declared the winner after a final tally by INEC, which reflected an 8.58% increase in his votes, bringing his total to 244,606.
The discrepancies between the results published on the IREV portal and the officially declared results have raised questions and cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process. Many Nigerians have expressed their frustration, calling for greater transparency and accountability from INEC.
Public Outcry Over Discrepancies
The inconsistencies between the IREV data and INEC's official announcement have sparked outrage among the electorate, with many pointing out that the anomalies were not isolated but rather prevalent across multiple local government areas. This has led to a growing public demand for an explanation and action from the electoral body.
The hashtag #DeclareIREVResults has gained traction on social media, with citizens using the platform to voice their concerns. “Democracy demands transparency! INEC’s IREV data clearly shows PDP won, so why the change?” one Twitter user wrote. Another commented, “The numbers don’t lie. PDP had 314,676 votes on IREV, yet INEC reduced them drastically. #DeclareIREVResults.”
Calls for Electoral Transparency
Election observers and members of civil society have also weighed in on the matter, criticizing the discrepancies as undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. "The IREV portal was designed to promote transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process, but these discrepancies undermine that goal," noted one election observer. "INEC must clarify why there’s such a wide gap between the posted IREV results and the declared results."
Judicial Intervention Demanded
As the controversy intensifies, some stakeholders are calling for the judiciary to intervene. They argue that the courts should review the electoral process and, if necessary, declare the IREV results as the legitimate reflection of the people’s will. Many believe that allowing the discrepancies to stand without proper investigation could erode public trust in the democratic process.
With the election results now the subject of intense debate, the pressure on INEC to address these concerns and ensure electoral integrity remains high. Whether through a judicial review or a transparent explanation from the commission, Nigerians are demanding answers that align with the principles of democracy and fairness.
0 Comments