A coalition of accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) has rejected the results of the Edo governorship election held on September 21, raising serious concerns about the election’s transparency and integrity.
This coalition, which includes well-known groups like the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation and the Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative, issued a statement detailing significant irregularities observed during the election.
While the observers expressed satisfaction with results from over 4,500 polling units, they rejected the results compiled at the ward and local government levels by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In their statement, signed by key coordinators Mrs. Rose Akhigbe, Comrade Peter Nwokolo, Engr. Anyasor Gabriel, and Comrade Sunny Elekwa, the CSOs emphasized that INEC’s actions during the collation process contradicted the Electoral Act of 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,” said Comrade Peter Nwokolo.
The coalition pointed out discrepancies, noting the existence of two sets of result sheets—one used in the field and another that appeared to favor the All Progressive Congress (APC) in certain regions.
They also raised alarms about the presence 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 stated, questioning the credibility of the entire electoral process.
The coalition rejected the results that declared 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 calling for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic practices.
The coalition represents a diverse array of organizations, including the Citizens Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative and the Centre for Development & Transformation Initiative, among others.
