2 months ago
7 ARTICLE AD
INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu
The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed deep concern over the disruptive presence of political actors and their supporters at its Edo State Coalition Centre.
INEC warned that such demonstrations are unwarranted and could jeopardise the electoral process, stressing the importance of maintaining order, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the final collation of results in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and its established regulations.
It stated that no one will be permitted to benefit from disorderly conduct.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that the governor was on the INEC premises early on Sunday morning, around 2 am, and remained there until he was escorted outside by the police led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba.
Minutes before Obaseki was led outside by Mba, flanked by a contingent of policemen, the All Progressives Congress National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists, stating that the governor had no reason to be on the premises.
Members of the All Progressives Congress, led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Dennis Idahosa, organised protests demanding the exit of Obaseki from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission at about 3.30 am on Sunday.
Ighodalo and his supporters were also sent back by the security operatives stationed at the INEC collation centre.
During a press conference on Sunday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the actions of the political actors were uncalled for.
He reassured the public that results from polling units and wards have been successfully uploaded and are currently being collated.
Haruna expressed concern over a recent incident involving threats to INEC’s office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area, which led to a stampede and resulted in injuries to one official.
He 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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of results will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections.”
