.jpeg)
Laraba Ajibda
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,has commenced the final collation of results for the Edo State governorship election.
After the conclusion of voting, INEC activated its Result Viewing (IReV) portal and began uploading polling unit results from across the state’s 192 wards. Collation has been completed in most Local Government Areas, with officials either already at or heading to the collation center in Benin City.
However, the process has been overshadowed by security threatsINEC National Commissioner and a member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, . Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that a threat to INEC’s office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area led to a stampede, resulting in injury to an official.
He also noted the overnight demonstrations by political supporters outside INEC’s State Headquarters in Benin City.
While condemning the attack Haruka said, "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 disturbed 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."
He emphasized that no disruption to the collation process would be tolerated, adding:
"Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness."
Haruna reassured the public that the process would continue as planned under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, stating:
"For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of results will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections."
He further clarified that mechanisms are in place to address any grievances during collation, including the possibility of reviewing results declared under duress:
"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," Haruna noted.
He also urged security agencies to remain vigilant in maintaining peace as the collation continues and reiterated the importance of allowing accredited party agents, observers, and the media unhindered access to the collation centers.
"Accredited party agents, observers, and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centers," Haruna said.
As the collation process moves into its final stages, INEC has called for calm and adherence to the rules, stressing that the process will continue as provided by law.