Sunday (10:17 AM)
INEC begins collation of election results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the commencement of final state-wide collation of results of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
INEC National Commissioner and Member of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, who disclosed this in a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, assured that despite receiving disturbing reports of threats to its office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area, the Commission will not hesitate to review results declared under duress.
“Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest,” Haruna said.
“The same results have also been collated from all the 192 Wards. Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation.
“However, the Commission received a deeply disturbing report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area yesterday, resulting in a stampede in which one of our officials was injured.
“We are similarly distubed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections. There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.
“Accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres. The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process,” the statement said.
(10:51 PM)
INEC to investigate alleged falsification of Edo election results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday night to investigate the alleged falsification of polling unit results in the Edo State governorship election.
In a post on its official X handle, the commission said the complaint was the second received on the state’s polling units.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had earlier accused a presiding officer in the state, Obozuwa Josephine, of allocating votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osholo Primary School Polling Unit, Weppa in Etsako East local government area of the state.
The post read: “The Commission’s attention has been drawn to an allegation of wrong figures entered into polling unit result sheets in the ongoing Edo State Governorship election.
“This is the second complaint we have received out of the 4,519 polling units used for the election.
“The Commission will immediately investigate the matter and deal with any proven infraction.”
(10:06 PM)
APC urges Edo residents to disregard fake election results
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday night urged the people of Edo to disregard the results of the state governorship election in circulation.
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the call in a statement in Abuja.
He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was still collating the election results.
Morka said: “The attention of the APC has been drawn to some reports circulating in sections of social media by certain political parties, peddling bogus figures of vote tallies in the ongoing Edo Gubernatorial Election.
“We urge the Edo electorate and the general public to disregard these bogus and highly speculative reports.
“Our great party wishes to clarify that collation at the Ward level is still ongoing and has yet to be concluded.
“Certainly, local government level collation has yet to begin in most of the local government areas in the state let alone concluded.”
The spokesman explained that INEC was the sole body empowered by the Electoral Act to collate results at ward, local government, and state levels, and to officially declare the election results
Morka said the APC was comfortably in an early lead, but would not attempt to preempt INEC’s conclusion of the election process and official declaration of final results.
He urged members of the public to disregard attempted misrepresentation and await INEC’s final verdict on the election.
(9:45 PM)
PDP urges supporters to follow election results
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its members in Edo to follow the results of the state governorship election from the polling units to the state collation centre.
The party gave the directive in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday in Abuja.
He noted that the directive was to prevent any manipulation or alteration of the results.
Ologunagba also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all results as announced at the polling units were transparently uploaded to its server and duly declared at the collation centre.
He said the announcement and uploading of the results should be done in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC Guidelines for the Edo State governorship election.
The spokesman commended the people of Edo for their resilience in enforcing their will at the polling units.
He also urged them to be alert and ready to defend their votes as they await the final results of the election.
(9:33 PM)
INEC warns against publishing election results on social media
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned against the upload of the Edo State governorship election results on social media.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Anugbum Onuoha, who spoke on Channels Television on Saturday, said the commission has not received election results from any of the 18 local government areas in the state.
He added that the results are still at the ward level and would travel to the local government level before reaching the state collation centre.
Onuoha said: “I cannot categorically tell you when we will announce the results in the state. As they come, we will announce.
“For now, no results yet from any of the local governments.
“I want to correct one thing: those who are publishing results, it is not their duty to announce results.
“INEC has not announced results. I am not even the returning officer for the state. The returning officer will announce the results. But I am surprised with what I see on social media. That is not the correct position of the commission.
“Nobody has the capacity to do that. The law is clear on who can announce the results. So, they should desist.”
(8:20 PM)
Police arrests two suspected political thugs, 7 others
Police operatives on Saturday arrested two suspected political thugs with voter’s cards, and pre-filled ballot box papers during the governorship election in Edo State.
Six other persons were arrested with large sums of money to be used for vote buying in the election.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
He said a suspected fake journalist was arrested for covering the election in Auchi.
The statement read: “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 and a set of fake identification cards.
“Furthermore, six suspects namely Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat (52), Salihu Lukman (54), Safianu Saratu (32) 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, and 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 had 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.”
(7:57 PM)
PDP alleges Edo presiding officer allocated votes to APC
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Presiding Officer in Edo State Obozuwa Josephine, for alleged fraud.
The party also demanded the arrest and prosecution of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the state for the same reason.
In a statement posted on the official X handle on Saturday, the party alleged that the presiding officer has been allocating non-existent votes to the APC in the ongoing governorship election in the state.
The statement read: “The election result sheet for Osholo Primary School Polling Unit, Weppa in Etsako East Local Government Area shows that whereas 213 voters were accredited, Obozuwa Josephine criminally and fraudulently allocated 352 votes to the APC, 52 to the PDP and one to the LP, giving a total of 406 as votes cast.
“It is highly provocative that the INEC PO Obozuwa Josephine could be so compromised by the APC to audaciously and feloniously allocate unearned 352 votes to the APC above the 213 voters officially accredited in that Polling Unit.
“This reckless act by Obozuwa Josephine is reminiscent of the criminal conduct of the former Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Hudu Ari, during the 2023 Governorship election in that State, which provoked violent protest by the people and nearly led to the loss of lives of INEC officials.
“Obozuwa Josephine should take note that this criminal action by her could provoke similar consequences.
“Our Party holds that Obozuwa Josephine’s action is one of the many cases of electoral fraud, ballot manipulation, betrayal of public trust, and crime against the State perpetrated in this election by the APC and unscrupulous INEC officials which must not go unpunished.
“Nigerians can recall that the PDP had on several occasions alerted that the APC had compromised the INEC system by planting APC members as Polling Officers to manipulate the electoral process and alter results in favour of the APC.
“The PDP demands that INEC effects the immediate arrest and prosecution of the indicted Presiding Officer Obozuwa Josephine, cancel the election in Osholo Primary School Polling Unit, and take steps to address other such infractions in this election.
“Our Party again commends the people of Edo State for their vigilance and urges them to remain resilient till the end.”
(7:28 PM)
Oshiomhole dismisses allegation of vote-buying against APC
The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomole on Saturday dismissed allegation of vote-buying against the party in the governorship election in the state.
Oshiomhole spoke with journalists at Iyamho, Ward 10 Unit 01 in Estako West local government area of the state.
He said: “It is laughable when I hear this kind of allegation. You all have been monitoring the process, have you seen where they are sharing money?
“People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they want good government.
“During our campaign, people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something, but because of what I have done for them while I was in the office as the governor.”
The ex-governor, who is also the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, said he had not received any report of violence from anywhere across the state.
He expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the election across the state and commended the elderly ones for turning out to vote at the election.
He stressed that the decision of the aged voters was borne out of their desire to see a better Edo for their children.
“I am very enthusiastic to see the elderly ones coming out to vote in this election.
“This shows their resolve to see their children having a better life,” Oshiomhole added.
(05:30 PM)
INEC begins uploading PUs results to IReV
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) electoral officers have begun uploading Polling Unit (PU) results to the dedicated Results Viewing (IReV) portal for the ongoing governorship election in Edo State.
The voting was expected to conclude after the last person in the queue cast their vote by 2:30 p.m.
However, the commission announced an extension of voting time in areas where the process started late, with the closing time to be determined by individual polling units in the affected areas.
Election results from 333 Polling Units representing 7.37 percent of the 4,519 PUs across the 18 local government areas of the state had been uploaded as of 3:10 p.m.
In Ovia South West local government area of the state, results from 15 out of 195 PUs had been uploaded.
Similarly, in Etsako East LGA, results from 12 out of 166 PUs had been uploaded on the IReV.
Also, in Ikpoba-Okha LGA results for 68 out of 641 PUs were already uploaded to the dedicated portal.
Additional results will be uploaded to the portal via the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as soon as voting and result counting are completed at all PUs statewide.
(01:04 PM)
Gov Obaseki votes, expresses optimism
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has cast his ballot in the ongoing gubernatorial election, voting at his polling unit 19, Ward 4, Oredo Local Government Area.
After exercising his civic duty, Obaseki expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the election, saying, “The process is going smoothly.”
“I expect a good result,” Obaseki stated, addressing journalists.
Obaseki’s vote comes amid heightened interest in the Edo governorship election.
(11:58 am)
INEC officials absent at Ighodalo’s Polling Unit
Voting is yet to commence at the Idinro polling unit in Ewihimi, Esan South East local government area which is polling unit of the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as officials and ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are not on ground.
Though Ighodalo was at the polling unit along with his supporters, there was no sign of INEC officials and other political party stakeholders as he pleaded with the people to remain calm.
Heavy downpour disrupts voting process at Egor LGA as security operatives, voters seek shelter
Voting in the Edo State governorship election was temporarily halted in Egor Local Government Area, Edo South, as a sudden downpour forced voters, INEC officials, and security agents to seek shelter.
Heavy rain pounded the area, compelling electoral stakeholders to seek refuge under a nearby building, disrupting the voting process.
The unexpected weather interruption has raised concerns about the potential impact on voter turnout and the overall smooth conduct of the election.
As the rain continues to fall, officials and voters eagerly await a break in the weather to resume the electoral process.
This development comes amid reports of peaceful and orderly voting in other parts of the state.
Former Governor, Oshiomhole, arrives Polling Unit
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, has arrived at his polling unit, Iyamoh Primary School, Ward 10 PU1, Etsako West LGA, to cast his vote in the ongoing gubernatorial election.
Demonstrating his commitment to the democratic process, Oshiomhole humbly took his place in the queue, saying, “I’m on the queue because if the elderly women can queue, I can too.”
The Edo gubernatorial election has drawn significant attention, marking the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure.
Despite initial delays in some areas due to late arrival of election materials and officials, voting has commenced in various parts of the state.
APC’s Okpebholo votes, commends INEC’s handling of governorship election
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) conduct of the Edo gubernatorial election.
After casting his ballot at PU003, Uwessan 1, Esan Central LGA, Okpebholo told reporters, “What I’m seeing here is testimony that INEC is getting it right.”
He dismissed concerns about security, calling them “hyped” and “meant to scare people away from voting.”
Okpebholo faces stiff competition from Asue Ighodalo (PDP), Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), and 14 other candidates vying for the Dennis Osadebe Government House.
LP candidate, Akpata, votes
The Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata has cast his ballot at the ongoing governorship elections in Edo State.
Akpata, who is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) cast his vote at polling unit 011, ward 06 New Benin, Oredo LGA.
Voting commences at Esan West LGA (Photos)
Voting has started at the Egware Primary School, Ujiogba Ward II units 2, 3 and 11 in Esan West LGA of Edo State, with voters thrilled to exercise their rights.
A resident who spoke to journalists, 76-year-old Pa Robert Eguekagbon, said materials arrived before 8 a.m., and he was pleased with the ease of the process.
In his words: “Materials came early about 8 a.m. I came and was accredited and I have voted. It was good and smooth.”
An INEC official, who refused to mention her name, said the process is seamless as they have no issues with network failures and all machines are working perfectly.
Voters came out early and conducted themselves in orderly manners with the elderly lining up as some searched for their names in the voters register.
EFCC officials arrest vote buyers
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) have arrested some suspected vote-buyers at Ward 7 in Egor LGA in the ongoing Edo Governorship election.
Security personnel, armoured tanks take over Benin streets
Ahead of the commencement of the governorship elections in Edo State, there have been sightings of heavy security presence as personnel and armoured tanks were spotted mounting roadblocks on roads in Benin City, the state capital as early as 6:00 a.m.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the security personnel had embarked on a stop and search of vehicles at the roadblocks, as well as asking the occupants questions in order to ensure security, law, and order during the election.
The popular Ring Road had a notable presence of military personnel, particularly at the Sapele Road, Forestry Junction, and Sapele Road axes, with an armoured tank stationed at the city centre, the report said.
There was also a heavy presence of security personnel at Okida Road, Ekewaun Road and at the INEC office at Ikpoba Hill, while road blocks and security presence were also observed at the Agbado Market area and the Ring Road section of Akpakpava and Sapele Roads.
EDO POLL: Woman faces consequences for defying movement restriction
A woman in Edo State has been penalized by security operatives for allegedly disobeying electoral rules, ahead of today’s governorship election.
The incident comes after Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun imposed a movement restriction in the state from 6am to 6pm.
The lady was ordered to kneel down on the street along a major highway in the city with both hands raised.
Voters in Edo State will today troop out to elect a new governor to take over from the incumbent Godwin Obaseki to run affairs of the state for the next four years.
Though 18 political parties are taking part in the election, it is beloved that the battle is majorly between three frontline candidates.
The race which has panned out as a three-horse race is between the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Asue Ighodalo; the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo, and that of the Labour Party( LP) Olumide Akpata.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 2.249 million voters collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
However, there are 2,629,025 registered voters spread across the 18 local government areas, 192 wards and 4,519 polling units in the state.
Edo South has 1,526,699; Edo North, 673,794, and Edo Central, 440,514.
Ripples Nigeria brings you all the update from the field as they unfold leading to declaration of the final results by INEC.
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