#EdoDecides2024: ‘It is uncalled for’, INEC reacts to Obaseki, Ighodalo’s visit to collation centre

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to the visit by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to its state office and collation center on Sunday.

According to a report by Channels Television, Obaseki arrived unannounced at INEC’s collation center around 2 AM and was escorted out at approximately 4:10 AM.

Obaseki had visited to protest irregularities in the collation of results from several local government areas, including his own, Oredo. However, he was informed that his presence was not required.

Around 3 AM, a combined security team led by DIG Mba and personnel from the Nigerian Army entered the premises. By 4:10 AM, they escorted Obaseki out of the collation center.

Shortly before this, the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists, stating that the governor had no reason to be there, as he was not a candidate, and described Obaseki’s actions as an abuse of office.

In an earlier report, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had also been turned away.

Additionally, at around 3:30 AM, APC members, led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, led a group of protesters demanding Obaseki’s removal from the premises.

Reacting to the controversies during a press conference on Sunday, INEC’s National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna said the move by Obaseki and others was “uncalled for”.

It said, “We are similarly disturbed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.”