In a dramatic turn of events, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was forcefully removed from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin in the early hours of today. This incident unfolded after the governor stormed the INEC office to protest what he described as the manipulation of results from Saturday’s fiercely contested governorship election, which has tilted in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhollo.

The tension in Edo State reached its peak as Obaseki arrived at the commission’s state office shortly after preliminary results began to emerge, showing a strong lead for Okpebhollo. Sources revealed that the governor, frustrated by the unfolding events, demanded explanations from the officials present, accusing them of allowing the electoral process to be compromised.

Despite his persistent questioning and allegations of foul play, Obaseki was met with silence from the INEC officials, who, according to reports, chose not to engage with the aggrieved governor. The situation quickly escalated as security personnel stationed at the commission’s office intervened, ushering a visibly enraged Obaseki out of the building at approximately 5 a.m.

The governor, known for his fiery stance on transparency in governance, was said to have resisted initially, demanding clarity on what he termed as “a clear subversion of the will of the people.” However, the combined force of security agents, who had been on high alert throughout the tense election period, escorted him off the premises without further incident.

The removal of Obaseki from the INEC office has sparked widespread reactions, with some of his supporters taking to social media to decry what they perceive as an attempt to undermine the democratic process. Meanwhile, opposition supporters have hailed the swift action of the security agents, arguing that the governor’s presence at the INEC office was an attempt to intimidate officials and interfere with the final results.

As the situation develops, many are now eagerly awaiting official comments from both INEC and Governor Obaseki regarding the unfolding drama, while the outcome of the election remains a point of contention.

This incident has cast a shadow over what is already a highly charged political environment in Edo State, with many questioning the fairness of the electoral process and the role of security forces in managing political tensions.

In yet another comprehensive operation, police operatives conducted synchronized raids on identified black spots on September 20, 2024, at approximately 1900hrs. The well-coordinated effort led to the arrest of two key suspects, who are members of the PDP, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia South West LGA, Edo state.

The suspects, connected to a larger network involving one “Atiku” and a kingpin known as “the boss”, were apprehended at So Cash guest house in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items were recovered. These items include:

·A list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values
·A collection of pre-filled ballot papers
·A set of fake identification cards

Furthermore, six suspects namely Suleiman Abdurahim,Fatima Yakubu,Yusuf Aminat 52 yrs,Salihu Lukman 54yrs,Safianu Saratu 32yrs
were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu hotel, Auchi, for engaging in vote buying. This group was found with:

·A large sum of money
·A cache of weapons
·A detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation

A fake journalist who claims to be a staff member of one of the leading television stations in Nigeria was also apprehended, further highlighting the extent of the criminal network.

Our team’s meticulous planning and swift action have dealt a significant blow to those seeking to undermine and discredit the electoral process. We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.

Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
21ST SEPTEMBER, 2024

Edo State is set for a crucial decision today as voters go to the polls to elect a new governor.

With Governor Godwin Obaseki completing his tenure after two terms, the race is now wide open.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which once held power in the state before Obaseki’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, is determined to regain its influence.

Among the top contenders vying for leadership are Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Senator Monday Okpebholo representing the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

Seventeen candidates are vying for the governorship position, with sixteen men and one woman in the running.

They include:

Action Alliance, AA, – Tom Iseghohi

New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP – Azena Azemhe Friday

All Progressives Grand Alliance – Osifo Isiah

All Progressives Congress – Senator Monday Okpebholo

People’s Democratic Party – Asue Ighodalo

Labour Party – Olumide Akpata

All People Movement – Ugiagbe Sylvester

All Peoples Party – Areleogbe Osalumese

Action Democratic Party – Kingson Akhime Afere

African Action Congress – Udoh David

Zenith Labour Party – Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena

Boot Party – Osirame Edeipo

Accord Party – Bright Enabulele

African Democratic Congress – Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen

Peoples Redemption Party -Patience Key Ndidi

Young Progressive Party – Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan

Social Democratic Party – Aner Abdullahi Aliu

About nine of the above-mentioned political parties have unanimously endorsed and collapsed their structure into the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

EKWUTOSBLOG will provide situation reports from the state as events unfold.