David Powell
Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:58 am GMT
In a tightly contested governorship election held in Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared victory in 13 of the 18 local government areas (LGAs). However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is raising alarms over alleged suppression of votes in key regions, leading to tensions at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office.
APC Claims Victory Amid Protests from PDP
The APC, led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, has claimed a significant lead based on preliminary results. In contrast, PDP officials assert that the elections were marred by irregularities, particularly in the populous LGAs of Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba/Okha. Despite results being uploaded from 98% of the polling units, the absence of party agents and observers at the INEC collation center has sparked protests.
Deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie, has voiced strong concerns over the hindrance faced by their agents during the result collation process. He stated, “Our agents were not allowed into the collation centre, and when they were allowed in, they still could not participate in the collation of results.” Ogie’s complaints echo those of numerous observers who reported being chased away by security forces.
Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, corroborated these claims, indicating that observers faced harassment, including being teargassed in Ikpoba/Okha. “Electoral law permits accredited observers, media, and party agents to monitor results collation. Failure to address these issues risks undermining the legitimacy of this process,” they stated.
Police Arrests Suspects for Vote-Buying
Amid allegations of vote-buying, police have apprehended nine individuals on various charges, including attempting to manipulate the electoral process. Among those arrested were eight suspected of vote-buying and one individual impersonating a journalist.
Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi revealed, “We recovered a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items,” including lists of voters with monetary values attached. This has raised further doubts about the integrity of the election, with Yiaga Africa reporting incidents of bribery at polling units.
The PDP has claimed that APC operatives unleashed violence at the collation center, attempting to disrupt the process. In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, asserted, “The people of Edo State already have authentic results from the polling units.” He called on INEC to resist any pressure to alter genuine results.
Supporters of Opposition Harassed
Reports of violence and harassment against PDP supporters have emerged, including allegations of abductions at polling units. Ologunagba described one incident involving the alleged abduction of a voter by armed individuals linked to the APC, stating, “This cowardly act further confirms that the APC is panicky and has already given up in the face of imminent defeat.”
In a show of solidarity, PDP supporters gathered at the INEC office, voicing their discontent over the election’s handling. They echoed their leader’s sentiments, urging election officials to ensure the proper conduct of the results collation process.
Reactions from Key Political Figures
In the midst of the chaos, prominent political figures weighed in on the situation. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representative of the Edo North Senatorial District, dismissed the allegations of vote-buying against the APC as “laughable.” He urged the opposing parties to focus on achieving a fair electoral process rather than casting unfounded accusations.
Oshiomhole stated, “Did you see anywhere they are sharing money? All structures that I have put in place 12 years ago are still there. Our people have seen the difference.” His comments were made following his victory in his polling unit, where the APC received overwhelming support.
Polling Results Summary
| Candidate | Party | Polling Unit Votes |
|———————-|————————|———————|
| Godwin Obaseki | Peoples Democratic Party| 127 |
| Senator Monday Okpebholo | All Progressives Congress | 35 |
| Olumide Akpata | Labour Party | 11 |
| | | |
| Adams Oshiomhole | All Progressives Congress | 403 |
| Asue Ighodalo | Peoples Democratic Party| 200 |
| Olumide Akpata | Labour Party | 32 |
The opposition has expressed frustration over the reported victory of the APC in regions where they believe they garnered more support.
The Way Forward
As the dust settles, both parties are bracing for the next steps. The PDP has voiced intentions to challenge the election results, claiming they are being skewed in favor of the APC. Campaign officials are adamant that they will continue to push back against what they see as unfair treatments that threaten the electoral integrity.
However, the APC has called for calm and urged people to await the official results from INEC. “We urge everyone to await the INEC to officially announce the results,” stated APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe.
The outcome of the Edo State governorship election has brought to light issues surrounding electoral transparency and the importance of safeguarding democracy in Nigeria. As tensions rise and protests continue, the finalization of results remains critical for both political parties and the citizens watching closely.
Polling irregularities and allegations of violence have planted seeds of uncertainty about the legitimacy of the election. In what should be a celebration of democratic engagement, the unfolding events illustrate the ongoing challenges that hinder electoral processes in Nigeria.
People are watching closely as things change. They really want the election process to be open and fair. Everyone in Edo State and across the country is paying attention to INEC as they announce the election results.
