The governorship election in Edo State, held on September 21, 2024, has sparked controversy as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious allegations of electoral malpractice and rigging following the results.

Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes. Of the state’s 18 local government areas, the APC won in 10, while the PDP won in 8. Despite this, the PDP claims that Ighodalo was the true victor.

Ahmadu Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council, condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly violating the Electoral Act. In a statement, he argued that results from polling units indicated a clear lead for Ighodalo before the final tally was manipulated.

PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reiterated the party’s stance, claiming that APC’s actions reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the legitimate votes cast for Ighodalo. The party’s Governors Forum called for INEC to act as an impartial referee and ensure the announcement of results that accurately reflect the electorate’s wishes.

Allegations of Result Manipulation

During the collation process, the PDP’s state agent, Iyoha Osaigbovo, alleged that the figures attributed to the APC were inflated by INEC to facilitate their victory. He expressed disbelief at the results, stating that they did not accurately represent the electorate’s choices.

The PDP has documented several instances of alleged vote manipulation in its letter to INEC, particularly in three local government areas: Akoko Edo, Egor, and Etsako West. The letter detailed discrepancies between the votes reported by INEC and the actual figures observed at the polling units.

ALSO READ: Breaking News: Obaseki Triumphs in Polling Unit as Akpata Faces Defeat

In Akoko Edo, for example, the APC reportedly received 25,010 votes according to the polling unit results, but 34,847 votes were declared by the Local Government Area Returning Officer. Similar irregularities were reported in Egor and Etsako West, raising serious questions about the integrity of the election process.

Response from the APC and Protests from PDP Youths

In response to the PDP’s claims, Jarrett Tenebe, acting APC chairman in Edo State, dismissed the allegations and expressed satisfaction with the election outcome. He emphasized the need for the PDP to focus their grievances on the results’ collation rather than attacking his party.

Youth members of the PDP took to the streets to protest the election results, claiming tampering had occurred. Though restricted in their movements by security forces, they voiced their frustrations, asserting that the announced results diverged significantly from what transpired at the polling units.

Calls for Calm and Reflection

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki urged citizens to remain peaceful despite the contentious election results. He acknowledged the feelings of disillusionment among the electorate and emphasized the importance of maintaining calm. He expressed hope that those affected by the alleged electoral misconduct would pursue legal avenues to address their grievances.

Okpebholo, the governor-elect, vowed to deliver on his promises to the people of Edo State, drawing inspiration from the achievements of former Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio. He emphasized that his victory was ordained and pledged not to disappoint the citizens who supported him.