Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who stormed the head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City, where collation of the Edo governorship election is to be held have ended their protest.
The PDP protesters led by the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, stormed the INEC office in Benin City, on Sunday morning alleging that results were being tempered with.
Iduoriyekemwen alleged that, “We have information that the result is being skewed to favour Monday Okpehbolo when it is clear that our candidate is coasting to victory. We will not accept this, we will contest it”
They were dispersed by the police shortly after speaking to journalists through the barricade.
Meanwhile, INEC in a statement issued by the commission, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, has said collation would kick off by 10am.
The commission said, “This is to inform the general public, Political Stakeholders and observers that the Collation of results for the ongoing Edo State Governors Election will resume today (Sunday) 22nd September, 2024 at 10:00am.”
“The Collation process is being conducted transparently and in accordance with the extant laws and guidelines of the Independent National. Electoral Commission (INEC). We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the parties as we strive to ensure a credible and accurate outcome of this important Election.
“We urge all stakeholders to maintain peace and order as we conclude the collation process. INEC remains committed to delivering a free, fair and transparent Election in Edo State,” the statement said.