PDP supporters protest alleged election manipulation as Obaseki calls for calm

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a protest on Sunday in Benin, the Edo State capital, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating the gubernatorial election results.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been declared winner of the Edo State governorship election.

Okpebholo emerged victorious after securing 291,667 votes, defeating his main challengers, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who garnered 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party who finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.

PDP members gathered outside the collation center earlier in the day, with some alleging that INEC was tampering with the results. The protest escalated when police dispersed the crowd using teargas around 2:45 a.m.

Tony Iyoha, a PDP agent at the collation center, echoed the accusations of electoral fraud. “It’s what we’ve been reduced to as Nigerians, where people go out to vote, and after exercising their franchise, you come out and manufacture results,” Iyoha stated.

Election experts have voiced concerns over the rising tensions and the potential impact on trust in the democratic process.

 Political analyst Dr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo urged INEC to ensure transparency in the final collation. “Any hint of manipulation erodes public trust, and it is vital that INEC provides clarity on the results to avoid further unrest,” Nwankwo said.

READ ALSO: Obaseki urges calm amid Edo governorship election controversy

Professor Amina Yusuf, a governance expert, also weighed in, emphasizing that “INEC must strengthen its processes and communicate clearly with the public to avoid fueling suspicions that can lead to instability.”

With the final LGA result still awaited, both parties and their supporters remain on edge as the political atmosphere grows increasingly volatile.

Meanwhile the outgoing governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki has called for calm following the contentious outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

Governor Obaseki expressed concern over the sense of disillusionment felt by many Edo residents, who believe their democratic rights have been undermined by the institutions meant to protect them.

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In a statement, Obaseki condemned the “impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law” witnessed during the election, calling it a “travesty of democracy.”

Despite the grievances, the governor urged citizens to avoid violence or destruction of property, advocating instead for peaceful resolution through legal channels. He reassured the people of Edo State of his government’s commitment to ensuring their security and wellbeing.

“Peace and justice will always win at the end,” Obaseki stated, urging everyone to return to their lawful activities while calling for faith in the democratic process.

“God bless the good people of Edo State,” the governor concluded.