Edo Decides: Tensions escalate as INEC postpones collation amid allegations of result manipulation

Tensions are running high in Edo State following accusations of attempts to alter the results of the September 21 governorship election.

Allegations have surfaced about efforts to relocate collation centers, a move that would violate the Electoral Act. These developments have sparked outrage, particularly from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who fear the integrity of the election is under threat.

After mounting pressure from Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other PDP stakeholders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced a decision to postpone the collation of results until 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 22.

READ ALSO: PDP accuses INEC, Police of collusion with APC to rig Edo 2024 governorship election

In a statement released by Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC acknowledged the postponement and confirmed that the delay was due to concerns raised by the PDP regarding procedural violations.

“This is to inform the general public, political stakeholders, and observers that the collation of results for the ongoing Edo State Governorship election will resume today, Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.,” the statement read.

The dispute began when INEC halted collation in several local government areas in Edo South, citing security concerns, and moved the process to the State INEC Secretariat.

This sparked protests among PDP supporters, who stormed the State INEC office, accusing the electoral body of bypassing proper procedures.

According to PDP’s Deputy Governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie, collation was abruptly stopped in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, with party agents being barred from entering the collation center.

Governor Obaseki, accompanied by security aides, arrived at INEC’s head office in Benin, Edo State, early Sunday morning for a brief meeting with REC Anugbum Onuoha.

The governor’s presence at the collation center heightened tensions, particularly among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

READ ALSO: INEC to Investigate falsified results in Edo election amid arrest calls

Dennis Idahosa, the running mate of APC’s governorship candidate Monday Okpebholo, led a protest outside the INEC office at 3:30 a.m., demanding Obaseki’s immediate removal from the premises.

Idahosa and other protesters accused the governor of overstepping his boundaries, with Idahosa shouting, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff member. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”

The protesters attempted to gain entry into the INEC office but were blocked by security personnel, even as they repeatedly banged on the gates.

As the confrontation unfolded, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba, who is in charge of overseeing the election’s security, entered the premises to address the situation and met with Governor Obaseki.

Late Saturday night, tensions continued to rise as INEC acknowledged receiving a second complaint regarding discrepancies in polling unit results.

In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, INEC assured the public that it would investigate the alleged inconsistencies and take swift corrective measures to address concerns of incorrect figures being entered into the result sheets.