Aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party supporters stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Benin City, protesting the recently announced Edo State governorship election results.
The protesters, armed with placards, chanted slogans accusing INEC of manipulating the results in favour of the All Progressives Congress, according to Politics Nigeria.
Some placards read: “Edo PDP won the election but INEC and police colluded to change it,” “Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governor-elect we know,” and “INEC, why did you manipulate the IREV result?”
“This protest is about justice and accountability. We believe in the power of our vote for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie!” said Betty Irume, one of the protesters.
Another protester expressed similar sentiments: “We are demanding transparency and fairness. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie represent hope for a better Edo! INEC needs to correct this wrong.”
The protesters disputed the election results, which saw APC’s Monday Okpebholo declared the winner with 291,667 votes.
PDP’s Asue Ighodalo garnered 247,274 votes, while Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata secured 22,763 votes.
INEC officials have assured that the election was conducted transparently, but PDP supporters remain unconvinced.
Security around the INEC office has been tightened to prevent escalation.
The situation remains tense, with many awaiting the outcome of the PDP’s challenge to the election results. As of now, INEC officials in Edo State have not issued an official statement regarding the protests or accusations of electoral fraud.
