EdoDecides2024: INEC Suspends Final Collation Amid Tensions in Benin

In the early hours of Sunday, tension mounted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin City, leading to a postponement of the final collation of results for the Edo State governorship election. INEC announced the delay, rescheduling the collation process to 10 a.m.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, INEC officials, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba, who is overseeing election security. The four-hour meeting was held amidst growing concerns raised by Governor Obaseki and his party, alleging irregularities in the collation process.

As Governor Obaseki remained inside the INEC headquarters, protesting the election results, Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led a separate group of protesters to the same location. Idahosa and his group demanded that Obaseki come out and address the public.

Adding to the tension, the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, also arrived at the INEC office, accusing Governor Obaseki of acting inappropriately and likening his actions to that of a thug.