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.
