Election Observers have raised concerns about the transperency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Edo election.

They include Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Yiaga Africa, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ElectHER and TAF Africa

According to them “We, the undersigned accredited civil society organizations observing the 2024 Edo governorship elections, express concern over the transparency of the ongoing results collation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Reports of disruptions at ward and local government collation centers, including intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate results contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, raise significant concerns about the credibility of the results collation process. We acknowledge INEC’s recent statement recognizing reports of result mutilation and its commitment to investigate and address any proven violations.”

They added: “In light of this, we urge INEC to invoke its powers under Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 to review any declarations and returns where results were not declared voluntarily or violated provisions of the electoral act and INEC regulations, and guidelines.

“We further call on security agencies to refrain from interference in the collation process and to ensure that accredited party agents, the media, and election observers are granted full access to collation centers. We wish to emphasize that the role of security agencies in the election is to safeguard the process and not to create a situation that will undermine the transparency of the process and thus impact negatively on the credibility of the outcome of the election.”

The post Edo 2024: Election Observers Tackle INEC Over Gubernatorial Polls appeared first on Naija News.

Eligible residents and citizens of Edo State are out today to elect the man/woman to govern the affairs of the South-south State for the next four years.

Naija News reports that Edo State residents will vote to replace Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The major candidates in today’s gubernatorial election are: Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo and; Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata.

The 18 Local Government Areas In Edo State includes: Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Etsako West, Igueben, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Owan East, Owan West, Uhunmwonde.

Stick with Naija News as we bring you updates on the governorship election…

Some election officials and ad-hoc staff with security escort in Ibiwe/Iwegie/Ugbahue Registration Area, Oredo LGA, were transported to their polling stations in Benin metropolis. While at Ibiwe/Iwegie/Ugbahue Registration Area, Oredo LGA, INEC officials and ad-hoc staff were seen waiting to be deployed to their polling stations.

Voting has started at Ujiogba, Eguari primary school unit 2,3,11, ward 2, Esan west LGA. Meanwhile, voters have started sorting out their names on the register at PU 034, Ogbe Primary School, Oredo LGA. Voting had not commenced at about 8.28am

At Senator Adams Oshiomole’s poling unit, EFCC officials and policemen were spotted trying to ensure there is no vote buying.

Distribution of materials commences at Ogbe Registration Area Centre in Oredo LGA.

Adhoc officials have arrived and commenced setting up election materials at a RAC in Ward 7 Unit 3 of Egor Local Government Area, in the southern part of Edo State, ahead of today’s governorship polls.

Naija News reports that over two million and six hundred eligible electorates across the 18 local government areas of the state are expected to troop out en mass today to exercise their civic rights.

The post [LIVE UPDATES] #EdoDecides: Edo State 2024 Governorship Election appeared first on Naija News.

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has sharply criticized the Nigerian Presidency for endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, through its official channel.

Effiong’s criticism came in response to a post on the Presidency’s official X handle on Saturday night, where Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly encouraged Edo citizens to support Okpebholo, asserting that his leadership would foster an effective state.

Effiong condemned the endorsement in a statement, accusing the APC of systematically undermining every national institution. He argued that such actions reflect a troubling trend of politicizing state mechanisms and compromising democratic integrity.

The post read, “Vote Okpebholo to birth a functional State, Vice President Kashim Shettima urges Edo citizens.

“Says state will benefit from positive change with increased federal allocation.”

However, Effiong, a lawyer focused on public interest, stated that utilizing an official government handle for partisan campaigns is unacceptable.

He also characterized it as a complete manifestation of State capture.

Effiong said, “This is despicable but not surprising; the APC has rubbished every institution in this country.

“Using official government handles for partisan campaigns is egregious. State capture in full force.”

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