The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Edo State experienced some drama early Sunday morning when members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrived around 3:30 AM, demanding that Governor Godwin Obaseki leave the premises.
The APC members argued that Obaseki had no reason to be there since the election results had not yet been announced.
Reports from Channels Television indicated that the governor was present to raise concerns about certain irregularities.
Obaseki reportedly entered the INEC office on Aduwawa Road, Benin City, under the cover of night and went upstairs, sitting near the office of the Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) where results were being collated.
Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the APC deputy governorship candidate who led the protest, was heard shouting from outside the gate, insisting on the governor’s removal from the premises.
He said, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC Staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”
The protesters repeatedly attempted to gain entry into the INEC premises, banging on the gate, but were consistently prevented from entering.
Amid the tension, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the election, Frank Mba, arrived at the scene with his team and went directly to where Governor Obaseki was seated.
Mba, along with other security operatives, then escorted Obaseki out of the premises.