PDP supporters protest INEC’s declaration in Edo amid allegations of irregularities

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have staged a protest outside the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City, Edo State, expressing their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the recent governorship election.

Chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages such as “Our votes must count” and “INEC, do the right thing,” the demonstrators demanded a reversal of the results announced by the electoral body, which declared Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner.

The protest follows widespread claims by PDP supporters that the election was tainted by irregularities, including vote-buying and manipulation at various polling stations.

Party leaders have called on INEC to address these concerns, with some alleging that the integrity of the electoral process was compromised.

This situation is reminiscent of past electoral controversies in Nigeria, where allegations of vote rigging, particularly in tightly contested regions, have led to post-election unrest.

Experts believe that the persistent issue of electoral malpractices continues to undermine democratic growth in the country. Political analyst Dr. Aisha Ibrahim remarked, “The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system hinges on how well institutions like INEC respond to allegations of irregularities. If complaints aren’t addressed transparently, it erodes public trust in the system.”

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Dr. Ibrahim also pointed to the need for electoral reforms to curb vote buying and manipulation, noting that such practices have been common in several states during elections.

“We need stricter enforcement of election laws and more efficient monitoring of polling units to ensure that election results truly reflect the will of the people,” she added.

INEC, on its part, has maintained that the election was conducted fairly, urging all aggrieved parties to seek legal redress if they are dissatisfied with the outcome. However, PDP supporters argue that immediate action is required to restore voter confidence in the electoral process.

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Monday Okpebholo’s victory has added fuel to political tensions in Edo State, where both the PDP and APC have significant support bases. Analysts suggest that unless these allegations are addressed, the state could witness prolonged political unrest, which may affect governance and development efforts.

As the protests continue, the focus now shifts to whether INEC will respond to the demands for a review of the results or if the matter will be settled in the courts—a path frequently taken in Nigeria’s political landscape.