The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for the Edo State governorship election has raised concerns over the alleged illegal disruption of the collation of results, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating its own regulations.
During a World Press Conference at the PDP Situation Room in Benin City, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who chairs the campaign council, claimed the collation process was interrupted in several local government areas, particularly in Edo South, including Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor. According to the PDP, the results were unlawfully transferred to the INEC State Headquarters under the directive of an Assistant Inspector General of Police, which the party asserts violates electoral procedures.
Further allegations include PDP agents being denied access to the collation exercise, while APC representatives were allowed entry, breaching the principles of neutrality under the Electoral Act. Additionally, the PDP reported an attack in Etsako West, where APC supporters and police reportedly disrupted the collation, leading to violence that left a local council vice-chairman critically injured.
Governor Godwin Obaseki intervened by visiting the INEC office to protest these irregularities. The PDP has since demanded the immediate restoration of the collation process, adhering to the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.
