In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered on Monday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin City, Edo State. The protestors, led by the Deputy Governor-elect, Rt. Hon Dennis Idahosa, rallied against what they alleged to be an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to tamper with the election materials used in the September 21 governorship election. The protest comes ahead of the crucial hearing by the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.
The demonstrators blocked access to the INEC office, resulting in a significant gridlock in the area. Chanting slogans and waving banners, they warned INEC against any unauthorized handling or tampering with the sensitive election documents. Protestors argued that any manipulation of these materials could undermine the credibility of the electoral process, which had been contested by PDP.
Despite the protest, PDP and its candidate, Ighodalo, obtained a court-enrolled order granting them access to inspect and obtain certified copies of the electoral documents. According to the order, marked EPT/ED/GOV/01M/2024, the Tribunal instructed INEC to provide unfettered access to voter registers, ballot papers, and BVAS machines, among other essential materials.
Signed by Honourable Justice W. I. Kpochi, the order emphasized that these documents should remain secure, tamper-proof, and preserved until the tribunal concludes its proceedings. The court’s directive indicates that the PDP and its forensic team are allowed to inspect these materials to build their case for the petition challenging the election results.
As tensions mount, APC supporters have expressed distrust in PDP’s intentions, citing fears of manipulation. Legal representatives from the PDP, however, have maintained that the inspection is a lawful procedure granted by the tribunal to ensure transparency and accountability. Olusegun Jolaowo (SAN), a member of the PDP’s legal team, explained to journalists that their actions align with the court’s directive and are aimed at gathering evidence for their petition.
This protest underscores the heightened political tensions in Edo State as APC supporters vow to continue their demonstrations until they are confident that the election documents are secured and untouched. With INEC caught between two opposing parties, the situation in Benin remains tense as political stakeholders and citizens await the tribunal’s proceedings.
The unfolding events in Benin City have sparked widespread discussion online, with keywords like #EdoElection2024, #APCProtests, and #INEC trending as Nigerians express their opinions on the issue.
