The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised alarm over the safety and security of its personnel and offices in Edo State following the conclusion of voting in the ongoing governorship election. In a statement released on Sunday, Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, reported several concerning developments, including threats to the Commission’s office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area and demonstrations outside its State Head Office in Benin City.
Haruna disclosed that after voting ended on Saturday, INEC swiftly activated its Result Viewing (IReV) portal and began uploading Polling Unit results. According to the statement, collation of results from the 192 Wards had also been completed, and most Local Government Areas had concluded their own collation. The designated officials, Haruna added, were either already at the State Collation Centre in Benin City or en route to the location, with preparations set to begin for the final state-level collation of results.
However, the smooth progression of the electoral process was disrupted by disturbing events. “The Commission received a deeply troubling report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area yesterday, which led to a stampede that left one of our officials injured,” Haruna said.
In addition to the incident in Okpoba Okha, Haruna highlighted that some political actors and their supporters had gathered overnight outside the State Head Office in Benin City, staging demonstrations ahead of the final collation. “These actions are uncalled for. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage, and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness,” Haruna declared, calling for calm and adherence to lawful procedures.
Haruna reassured the public that INEC remains committed to proceeding with the collation of results as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s own regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections. He emphasized that there are established mechanisms for addressing complaints during the collation process, including the Commission’s power to review results declared under duress, a safeguard INEC is prepared to invoke if necessary.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of results will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections,” Haruna stated. He reiterated that any issues or complaints regarding the collation could be addressed through the lawful procedures in place.
The Commissioner also called on political actors and their supporters to desist from any actions that could compromise the electoral process, stressing that any disruptions would not be tolerated. Haruna urged all accredited party agents, election observers, and media personnel to be granted unhindered access to all collation centers to ensure transparency.
INEC further called on security agencies to maintain the same level of vigilance and professionalism that contributed to the largely peaceful conduct of the election thus far. Haruna commended the efforts of security forces in ensuring a secure environment for voting and urged them to continue their work as the election process approaches its conclusion.
