CSOs Reject Edo Governorship Election Results, Citing Irregularities

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has rejected the results of the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, raising concerns over the election’s transparency and integrity.

This coalition, which includes prominent groups such as the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, and the Grassroots Development and Peace Initiative, issued a statement highlighting significant irregularities in the election process.

While the observers acknowledged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted a transparent process at over 4,500 polling units, they rejected the results at the ward and local government levels.

The CSOs claimed that INEC failed to adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 during the collation process.

 Allegations of Electoral Misconduct

In a joint statement, signed by coordinators including Mrs. Rose Akhigbe, Comrade Peter Nwokolo, and Engr.

Anyasor Gabriel, the CSOs emphasized that “INEC complied with the Electoral Act at the polling units but violated it during the collation.”

According to them, two sets of result sheets were used—one at the polling units and another that appeared to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC) in certain regions.

The coalition also raised concerns over the involvement of security forces during the collation process. They stated that “There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments, and state collation centers,” alleging that military and police personnel disrupted the collation and intimidated INEC officials.

Call for Electoral Reform

The CSOs rejected the Edo State governorship election results, naming APC’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the winner. “Results were only collated at the units and some wards before the military and police interfered,” the statement added.

The coalition urged for a comprehensive review of the electoral process, calling for reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

This coalition represents a wide range of organizations, including the Citizens Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative, the Centre for Development & Transformation Initiative, and the Initiative for Peace, Humanity, and Social Advancement for Women, among others. Together, they aim to push for accountability and transparency in future elections.

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