The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has agreed to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to inspect electoral materials from the September 21 Edo State governorship poll today, Wednesday, October 9, 2024 ¹. This decision comes after the PDP accused INEC officials of deliberately withholding the materials to conceal alleged rigging.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Augbum Onuoha, confirmed that the PDP would be granted access to the election materials today, stating, “We have asked them to come tomorrow (Wednesday)” ¹. However, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, alleged that INEC’s delay tactics were part of a conspiracy with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to obstruct justice and frustrate the PDP’s efforts to challenge the poll outcome in court ¹.
Edo Governorship Election Results:
- APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo: 291,667 votes
- PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo: 247,274 votes ¹
The PDP and Ighodalo have vowed to challenge the results, citing manipulation and electoral fraud. To proceed, they secured a court order directing INEC to allow them to inspect the electoral materials. However, INEC initially refused access, prompting the PDP to stage protests ¹.
Protests and Reactions:
- The women’s wing of the Edo PDP protested, demanding the return of the allegedly stolen mandate ¹.
- The APC denied involvement, claiming the PDP’s allegations were false and misrepresenting the situation ¹.
The inspection of electoral materials is a crucial step in the PDP’s quest for justice and transparency in the Edo governorship election.
