PDP Accuses INEC, Security Agencies Of Making Edo Election A Must Win For APC

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies of aiding and abetting the irregularities that bedeviled the last Saturday Edo state governorship election, just as the party described the election as the worst poll ever conducted by the electoral umpire. Rev. Olu Martins, the Deputy Director-General, Media and Publicity, of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council Management made the accusation while addressing newsmen in Benin. Martins said that the INEC made the election a must win for the APC following its actions and inactions. He berated the electoral body and the security agencies for providing the cover for the massive irregularities that took place at the collation process at the INEC State collation centre. Martins noted that the election was going on free, fair, and credible at the ward and Local government levels until INEC and the security agencies became interested parties in the election when it moved collation to the INEC State collation office. He added that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu body language and comments ahead of the Edo governorship election were not unconnected with the rape of democracy perpetuated during the September 21st governorship election, which he described as a sham and shame. He disclosed that the party was already consulting and putting things together to know the next line of action.   Independent NG

Edo Election: Civil Society Coalition Warns INEC, Security Agencies Against Dire Democratic Consequences Of Compromise

  The Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security Agencies to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process in the collation of the Edo State Governorship Election Results as the consequences of compromise will be dire to Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, on Sunday, the coalition of over 75 Civil Society Groups, Community-based Organisations, and Socio-political Pressure groups, noted that “the 2023 general elections exposed INEC’s glaring inefficiencies and blatant disregard for democratic principles”, saying that the “Edo election presents an opportunity for redemption as any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be vehemently resisted.” The Civil Society organizations in the Press Statement says, We demand that “INEC conduct itself in a manner that inspires confidence in the electoral process. This includes strict adherence to electoral guidelines and laws, transparent collation and announcement of results, and neutrality and impartiality. “Compromising democracy invites anarchy. Edo voters, not INEC or external forces, must decide their next Governor. The era of court-decided elections is over. The people’s decision must prevail, and their voices must be heard loud and clear in Edo State. “We equally caution Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the NSCDC, the Military, and the DSS, against succumbing to political pressure or inducement of any kind aimed at thwarting the electoral outcome in the State. Your role is to safeguard democracy, not undermine it. Maintaining professionalism throughout the electoral process is non-negotiable. “To the people of Edo State, we urge continued vigilant participation. Protect your vote; ensure your voice is heard. The world watches, and history will judge the actions of INEC and the Security Agencies in the ongoing governorship election. “We will not tolerate any form of manipulation or rigging. The Edo election must be free, fair, and credible”, the Civil Society Coalition insisted.