#EdoDecides2024: How Police DIG Ordered Governor Obaseki Out of INEC Office Amid Election Tensions

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba, overseeing the Edo gubernatorial election, directed Governor Godwin Obaseki to leave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin early Sunday morning. The incident occurred after Obaseki visited the office around 3 a.m., accompanied by his security team, where he held a closed-door meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

While Obaseki was inside, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and Dennis Idahosa, the APC governorship candidate’s running mate, arrived at INEC in protest. The protesters expressed frustration over Obaseki’s presence, with Idahosa insisting, “Obaseki must come out. He is not an INEC staff. The police should not compromise.”

Although armed security prevented the APC members from entering the premises, they banged on the gates, voicing their concerns. Basiru labeled Obaseki’s visit an “abuse of office,” questioning his involvement as he was not a candidate in the election.

As tensions escalated, DIG Mba entered the INEC office and firmly asked the governor to leave. When Obaseki appeared distracted, Mba reiterated his order, saying, “Please, leave here!” The governor was then escorted out by police officers.

Shortly after Obaseki’s departure, INEC announced that the collation of results would commence at 10 a.m. It remains unclear if the timing of the results collation was linked to the meeting between Obaseki and the REC.