Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:41 am GMT
Tensions reached a boiling point in Benin City as the Edo State governorship election unfolded, prompting significant controversy around the actions of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Early Sunday morning, the political climate intensified as demonstrators clashed, and police intervention became necessary during the crucial collation process.
The Governor’s Presence Sparks Outrage
In a surprising turn of events, Governor Obaseki found himself forcibly removed from the INEC office in the early hours of Sunday. According to reports, he arrived at the commission’s headquarters shortly after 2 a.m. and remained there until he was escorted out by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba around 3:30 a.m.
Obaseki’s presence was met with substantial pushback from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Protesters gathered outside the INEC office, demanding that he leave the premises. “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here,” remarked Surajudeen Basiru, the National Secretary of the APC, who criticized the governor’s actions as an abuse of power.
Despite the heated protests, Obaseki had initially made his way inside under the cover of night and attempted to engage with INEC officials regarding the ongoing results collation. However, the APC’s vociferous opposition led to a disruption, deepening the already fraught situation.
Protests Unfold Outside INEC Office
The atmosphere outside the INEC headquarters was charged as more than just verbal disputes occurred. Protesters from both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed their outrage regarding the election process:
- APC Protest: Led by Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governorship candidate, they vocally demanded Obaseki vacate the premises, emphasizing concerns over the alleged misconduct during the election.
- PDP Response: Osarodion Ogie, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, also rallied supporters at the INEC office, echoing suspicions of a compromised collation process and calling for transparency.
This chaotic environment led the DIG, Frank Mba, to take control of the situation. Upon arriving at the INEC office, he attempted to mediate, ultimately deciding on the necessity of removing Governor Obaseki to maintain order during the contentious election phase.
INEC Postpones Final Collation
As tensions escalated, INEC announced the postponement of the final collation of results, initially set for 10 a.m. The decision was made to provide time for the situation to cool and to ensure an orderly process moving forward.
This announcement came just after Obaseki’s lengthy meeting with Mba and INEC officials, where he raised his concerns regarding the integrity of the results being compiled. His claims, along with those from the PDP, suggested serious irregularities were affecting their party’s chances.
Moreover, the physical altercations between party supporters and allegations of intimidation raised alarm among observers and participants alike. Reports indicated that police officers attempted to restrict access to the INEC office, leading to further tensions when journalists were threatened while covering the unrest.
What’s Next for Edo State?
As Edo State navigates this turbulent election, several questions loom:
- What will be the outcome of the postponed results collation?
- Will tensions between the APC and PDP escalate further in response to election outcomes?
- How will INEC respond to the allegations of misconduct and the demands for transparency?
While the day’s events were troubling for many, there remains a hopeful undertone for peace and fairness as officials reassess their approach to the ongoing electoral process.
Conclusion
The unfolding events surrounding the Edo State governorship election highlight the urgent need for a transparent and fair electoral process in Nigeria. As protests continue and the state prepares for the postponed collation of results, the eyes of the nation will remain fixed on Edo. Both parties must prioritize calm and cooperation to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In the coming days, the actions taken by INEC and the responses from the political parties will be critical in shaping the future political landscape of Edo State. As Edo residents await the outcome, many hope for a resolution that honors the democratic rights of their constituents.
Caption: Protests erupted outside INEC headquarters as tensions heightened during the Edo State governorship election results collation.
The future is unclear, but it’s really important to keep the public’s trust and make sure everything is fair for everyone involved.
