A coalition of accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) has rejected the results of the Edo governorship election held on September 21, raising concerns over the election’s transparency and integrity.
This coalition includes prominent organizations such as the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation and the Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative. They issued a statement detailing significant irregularities observed during the election.
While observers reported satisfaction with results from over 4,500 polling units, they dismissed the results compiled at the ward and local government levels by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement signed by key coordinators Mrs. Rose Akhigbe, Comrade Peter Nwokolo, Engr. Anyasor Gabriel, and Comrade Sunny Elekwa, the coalition expressed that INEC’s actions during the collation process contradicted the provisions outlined in the Electoral Act 2022.
“We reject the collation of results at the wards and local governments because INEC complied with the Electoral Act at the polling units but violated it during the collation,” stated Comrade Peter Nwokolo.
The coalition highlighted the existence of two sets of result sheets—one used in the field and another seemingly favoring the All Progressive Congress (APC) in specific regions. Additionally, the observers raised alarms about the involvement of military and police personnel, who allegedly disrupted the collation process and intimidated INEC officials.
“There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments, and state collation centers,” they noted, calling the credibility of the entire electoral process into question.
The coalition officially declared their rejection of the results that announced APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner, asserting, “Results were only collated at the units and some wards before the military and police interfered.”
In light of these pressing concerns, the coalition is advocating for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic practices.
The coalition comprises a diverse array of organizations, including the Citizens Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative and the Centre for Development & Transformation Initiative, among others.