In the early hours of Sunday, September 22, 2024, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki entered the State Collation Centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Aduwawa, Benin, to express concerns about the ongoing governorship election results, despite no official results being announced at the time.
Obaseki, an ardent supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, arrived at the INEC premises around 2 a.m. under discreet circumstances. He proceeded to the first floor where the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr.
Anugbum Onuoha, is located. However, reports suggest that the REC did not meet with Obaseki, who remained nearby, monitoring the situation quietly.
Unofficial reports at the time indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was leading in the polls. Results from all 18 local government areas pointed to a likely APC victory, with official collation expected to begin later in the morning at 10 a.m.
Governor Obaseki left the INEC office around 4:45 a.m. without addressing the media, departing amid murmurs from top politicians present at the headquarters. His departure was overseen by a strong security presence, including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, who was in charge of ensuring peace during the election.
Senator Basiru Ajibola, the APC national secretary, later arrived at the INEC office, reportedly following credible information about Obaseki’s presence. Speaking with journalists, Ajibola criticised the governor’s actions, calling them unprofessional.
The atmosphere remains tense as Edo awaits the official results of the closely watched election.
