Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba, overseeing the Edo election, ordered Governor Godwin Obaseki to leave the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin on Sunday morning.
Obaseki, accompanied by his security aides, had arrived at the INEC office around 3 a.m. and proceeded to hold a closed-door meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
However, the governor’s presence sparked a protest from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and Dennis Idahosa, the running mate to APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The protesters argued that Obaseki, not being an INEC official, had no reason to be at the premises.
Idahosa stated, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”
Tensions escalated as the APC members attempted to force their way into the INEC compound but were stopped by armed security personnel. They accused the governor of abusing his office.
Amidst the commotion, Daily Trust reported that DIG Mba entered the premises and directly ordered Obaseki to leave.
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“Please, leave here!” he ordered before policemen escorted Obaseki out of INEC premises. Initially distracted, Obaseki was eventually escorted out by police officers.
Shortly after the governor’s departure, INEC announced that the collation of election results would begin at 10 a.m. It remains unclear if this was the subject of the meeting.
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