Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:04 am GMT
Amidst rising tensions during the Edo State gubernatorial election, protests erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation center early Sunday morning. The protests were led by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who demanded Governor Godwin Obaseki’s exit from INEC premises. As political drama unfolded, crucial developments regarding the election results were also at stake.
APC Protests Against Obaseki’s Presence
At approximately 3:30 AM, Dennis Idahosa, the chosen running mate of APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, emerged as the voice of the protesters. They shouted for Governor Obaseki to leave the INEC office, claiming he had no business being present there.
Idahosa expressed the group’s frustrations, insisting, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”
- Protesters attempted to breach the INEC gates but were met with resistance.
- They argued that Obaseki’s presence could compromise the integrity of the election results.
- An estimated 90.33% of results had already been uploaded to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal by then.
Despite numerous attempts to enter the facility, the APC protesters were held back. Their cautions about Obaseki’s presence in the election’s core operatives underscored the high stakes involved.
INEC’s Response to Allegations
The protests coincided with escalating concerns surrounding discrepancies in polling unit results. The INEC had acknowledged complaints regarding inconsistencies in the figures being reported from different polling units.
In response to the rising tensions, INEC issued a statement via their official X account, reassuring the public of swift action regarding the allegations of mismatched data.
“We will thoroughly investigate claims of incorrect figures being entered into result sheets,” the statement read. This effort aims to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
Police Presence and Election Monitoring
During the tumultuous events, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba, responsible for overseeing the election security, arrived at the scene. He entered the INEC premises and proceeded to meet with Governor Obaseki.
As tensions boiled over outside, insiders reported that the two engaged in discussions regarding the unfolding electoral situation. This behind-the-scenes dialogue raised eyebrows among the protesters, who continued to voice their dissent at the gates.
Election Results and Ongoing Tensions
As of late Saturday night, the INEC had uploaded results from 4,259 out of a total of 4,519 polling units. However, with the protests and public uproar, many were left anxious about the transparency and accuracy of the reported figures.
Political analysts are closely watching the situation, recognizing that the outcome of the Edo governorship election could have long-term implications for both the APC and Obaseki’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The protests have already added a layer of uncertainty to an already contentious electoral process.
What Lies Ahead
With ongoing protests and allegations of manipulation, the political climate in Edo State remains charged. Stakeholders and citizens alike are waiting to see how INEC will address the claims of discrepancies. The commission’s pledge to investigate has momentarily eased some concerns but left many with lingering doubts.
- The necessity of unbiased election monitoring has never been more critical.
- All eyes will be on INEC’s results as they upload more data on their platform.
- Future reactions from the APC and PDP could shape how voter sentiment evolves in the coming days.
Conclusion
The protests at INEC show how divided Nigerian politics can be, especially during important election times. As both parties get ready for the final results, people are demanding more honesty and openness than ever. With the race looking very close, it’s really important to make sure the election is fair and trustworthy. What happens next will definitely affect the politics in Edo State and all of Nigeria for a long time.
