Live Updates of Edo State Gubernatorial Election 2024.
Breaking News: INEC Declares APC Monday Okpebholo Winner of Edo Governorship Election With 291,667 Votes
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Edo State Governorship Election held on September 21, 2024. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came in third with 22,763 votes.
This victory marks a significant political shift in Edo State, where the APC candidate not only won but also managed to defeat the incumbent PDP in several key local government areas (LGAs). Notably, Okpebholo’s win included securing victory in the governor’s local government area, a symbolic and strategic win that underscores the changing political landscape of the state.
The election results have sparked various reactions across social platforms, with some users on X (formerly Twitter) expressing skepticism over the vote counts, alleging discrepancies between the results posted on INEC’s result viewing portal (IReV) and what was officially announced. These discrepancies have led to discussions and concerns about electoral integrity, with some users calling for accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
However, from the information available up to September 22, 2024, INEC has officially declared Monday Okpebholo the winner, signaling the beginning of a new political era in Edo State. This outcome will likely influence future political strategies and alliances within the state and could set a precedent for upcoming elections in other parts of Nigeria.
Ikpoba Okha LGA (Wards 10)
APC 16338
LP 4026
PDP 26382
7:49pm PDP Govs Tell INEC To Respect Edo People’s Wish
The PDP Governors Forum has issued a statement urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the wishes of the Edo people in the recent governorship election. This statement follows the election process where results were being collated and uploaded onto the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. The governors, led by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, emphasized the importance of INEC adhering to its oath of office by ensuring the election reflects the true will of the Edo electorate.
The context of this statement suggests a concern over the integrity of the election process, possibly hinting at fears of result manipulation or electoral irregularities. The PDP governors are, in essence, advocating for transparency, fairness, and adherence to democratic principles in the collation and announcement of the election results. They are reminding INEC of its role as an impartial umpire, especially at a time when Nigeria faces significant economic and security challenges, which could be exacerbated by a disputed election outcome.
This call from the PDP governors can be seen as a reflection of broader political dynamics where electoral integrity is paramount for maintaining peace, stability, and democratic legitimacy. It also underscores the sensitivity around elections in Nigeria, where outcomes can have profound implications for state governance and national politics.
From the information available up to September 22, 2024, there has been no explicit confirmation of widespread irregularities or final results announced that could directly validate or refute the PDP governors’ concerns. However, their statement serves as a reminder of the stakes involved and the expectations from electoral bodies to uphold the democratic process.
Edo Election: APC’s Okpebholo Wins Obaseki’s LG
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious over Governor Godwin Obaseki’s preferred candidate in the Oredo Local Government Area (LGA) during the Edo State governorship election held on September 21-22, 2024. This outcome signifies a notable political upset as Oredo LGA is the home base of Governor Obaseki. According to the results from the election, Okpebholo secured 30,780 votes in Oredo LGA, surpassing Obaseki’s candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 24,938 votes. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 5,842 votes in this particular local government.
This development is part of a broader trend where Okpebholo has demonstrated significant electoral strength, winning in several other LGAs across Edo State, which has contributed to his lead in the overall governorship race. As of the latest reports, Okpebholo has won in 10 out of the 16 LGAs where results have been announced, showcasing a strong performance that could potentially lead to his victory in the governorship election, pending the final collation of results from all 18 LGAs.
This election has been marked by high stakes and notable incidents, including allegations of electoral manipulation and significant political maneuvering. The outcome in Oredo LGA, where Governor Obaseki himself was previously booed at the INEC office over concerns of election result manipulation, underscores the contentious nature of the election. The PDP and other observers have raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, particularly in how results were collated and announced. However, as of now, these are the officially declared results for Oredo LGA, showcasing a clear victory for Okpebholo and a significant setback for Obaseki and the PDP in this crucial area.
5:15pm Collation Resumes, APC Wins Oredo In Edo Election
Wards 12
Registered Voters: 356242
Accredited Voters: 64802
APC – 30780
APGA – 523
LP – 5389
PDP – 24938
Total Valid Votes: 62703
Rejected Votes: 1339
Total Votes Cast: 64042
No Cancellation Of Results From Any Polling Unit
Breaking News: PDP supporters storm INEC headquarters in Benin city to protest Saturday's governorship election result currently being collated at the state collation centre.#EdoDecides24 #EdoDecides2024 pic.twitter.com/uGok6YP3xH
— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) September 22, 2024
2:50PM PDP Supporters Storm INEC Coalition Center
PDP supporters storm INEC headquarters in Benin city to protest Saturday’s governorship election result currently being collated at the state collation centre.
PDP Alleges Interruption Of Election Results Collation By INEC: Calls For Transparency and Fairness
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious allegations of interference by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the collation of results for the 2024 Edo State governorship election. According to statements and posts on X (formerly Twitter), PDP claims that:
- Exclusion of PDP Agents: PDP agents were allegedly denied access to the collation centers while agents from the All Progressives Congress (APC) were allowed entry. This occurred particularly at INEC’s state headquarters in Benin, where the collation process was unexpectedly relocated from local government areas.
- Violent Disruption: There were reports of violent incidents, including gunfire at an Etsako West collation center, leading to injuries. This incident reportedly occurred when senior APC officials, accompanied by police, stormed the center.
- Manipulation Claims: PDP officials, including prominent figures like Governor Godwin Obaseki, protested against what they described as widespread irregularities, including the manipulation of results. They pointed out that in some of the most populous local government areas where PDP was leading, the collation was abruptly halted or moved.
14:10pm With 16 LGAs officially announced so far in Edo, APC is leading.
PDP – 195,954
APC – 244,549
LP – 13,348
2 LGAs to go
EdoDecides2024
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) is leading with 244,549 votes from 16 out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) where results have been announced.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured 195,954 votes from the same LGAs.
- The Labour Party (LP) has 13,348 votes.
Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has opened up on why he visited the INEC collation centre in the state.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation center in Benin City to gain firsthand information about the collation process of the governorship election results. His visit, which occurred in the early hours, was prompted by his unsuccessful attempts to reach the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, after receiving reports that the collation process had been moved to the INEC head office. Obaseki’s intention was to understand the steps INEC was taking to continue the collation process amidst the reported delays. This action underscores the significance of transparency and direct engagement in electoral processes, particularly during critical times like the collation of election results.
Edo election: INEC begins collation, to review results declared under duress
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has commenced the collation of results for the 2024 governorship election, with plans to review any results that might have been declared under duress. Here’s what we know based on the information available up to September 22, 2024:
- Collation Start Time: INEC announced that the collation of results would begin at 10 AM on Sunday, September 22, 2024. This process follows the voting that took place on Saturday.
- Transparency and Review: INEC has emphasized transparency in the collation process, indicating a commitment to review any results that might have been influenced by duress or irregularities. This includes handling reports of disturbances such as a stampede in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area and demonstrations at the State Head Office.
INEC to begin Edo State Collation of Results by 10am
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the commencement of the collation of results for the Edo State governorship election to begin at 10am on Sunday, September 22, 2024. This process will take place at the INEC head office in Benin City, which serves as the main collation center for the election. The decision to start at this time was announced to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines, signaling INEC’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, and transparent election.
The atmosphere around this event has been charged with tension due to the delay in the formal announcement of results, which led to various reactions and analyses among political stakeholders and the public. As of the latest updates, a significant percentage of the polling unit results had been uploaded onto the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, indicating a high level of activity and anticipation regarding the outcome of the election.
Given the information available up to the current date and time, there’s been a mix of posts and sentiments on platforms like X, with some users indicating leads for different political parties in various senatorial districts of Edo State. However, these posts reflect sentiment and preliminary analysis rather than official results.
The collation process is crucial as it will officially determine the winner of the Edo State governorship election, where candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and other parties are in contention. This election has drawn significant attention, not only for its political implications within Edo State but also for how electoral processes are managed in Nigeria.
Obaseki Removed from INEC Office Amid Election Tensions.
Moment Governor Obaseki was chased out of INEC Office #EdoDecide2024 pic.twitter.com/PpYJo9vHT1
— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) September 22, 2024
The latest information indicates that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin amid tensions over the delay in the collation of results for the 2024 governorship election. This visit took place in the early hours of September 22, 2024, before which there was a significant delay in the result collation process. Obaseki’s presence at the INEC office sparked protests from supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting high levels of tension and political sensitivity around the election process.
However, reports on X (formerly Twitter) from users present that morning suggest that Obaseki was eventually escorted or “dragged” out of the INEC office around 5 am. This action was described in various posts with sentiments ranging from amusement to political commentary, indicating that Obaseki was either forcefully or persuasively removed from the premises. The context around his removal, as per the X posts, hints at desperation or a last-ditch effort to influence or monitor the election process closely, though these interpretations come with a mix of political bias and humor rather than as factual reporting.
These events reflect the height of tension and stakes involved in the Edo governorship election, showcasing how closely contested or sensitive the political atmosphere was. However, without official statements or detailed reports beyond these X posts and the initial visit report, the exact circumstances leading to Obaseki’s removal from the INEC office remain somewhat speculative, colored by the observers’ political leanings and the general election drama.
Heightened security at INEC State Collation Centre as Edo Governorship election briefing and collation session commence.
Police Arrest ‘Fake Journalist’, ‘Political Thugs’
The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have apprehended a “fake journalist” who claims to be a staff member of one of the leading television stations in Nigeria during the governorship election in Edo State on Saturday.
According to the police, the operatives also arrested “two key suspects who are members of the PDP, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia Southwest Local Government Area, Edo state in a comprehensive operation.”
Counting ongoing at Unit 024, Agbado school, Oredo LGA.#EdoDecide2024 pic.twitter.com/5ASsKbiY4t
— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) September 21, 2024
Edo Election: Ighodalo Accuses INEC Of Delays In PDP Strongholds
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate for the Edo State governorship election, has voiced allegations of delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in areas considered strongholds for the PDP. These allegations surfaced during the voting process on September 21, 2024, where Ighodalo claimed that there were noticeable delays in the setup and commencement of voting in these particular areas, suggesting a potential bias or inefficiency in electoral logistics.
– **Allegations of Delays**: Ighodalo specifically highlighted issues at his polling unit, where the late arrival of INEC officials and voting materials caused significant delays. This situation was attributed partly to heavy rainfall, but the implication was that these delays were more pronounced or strategically targeted in PDP-dominated areas.
– **Security Concerns**: Beyond just logistical delays, Ighodalo raised concerns over security, mentioning instances where PDP supporters were allegedly arrested by security operatives in mufti at polling units. Such actions, he implies, could intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process.
3:15pm Sorting and counting at Ward 002, Unit 21, Western Boys High School, Ikpoba Okha LGA, Edo State.
3:08pm Counting ongoing at Unit 024, Agbado school, Oredo LGA.
LP Candidate Olumide Akpata casting his vote in Oredo Ward 6, Unit 11
12:20 Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Edo State governorship election, cast his vote at Oredo Ward 6, Unit 11. His voting took place amidst reports of a relatively low voter turnout in that area, possibly influenced by feelings of insecurity and a drizzle that started during the voting process. Despite this, Akpata was spotted in good spirits, smiling and giving a thumbs up to the crowd, indicating his positive demeanor during the election.
Akpata expressed satisfaction with the voting process at his polling unit and hoped that the experience was similar across all 192 wards in Edo State. He emphasized the importance of a level playing field and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency in the electoral process. This act of voting was significant as it came after Akpata had publicly denied rumors of withdrawing from the race, affirming his commitment to the governorship contest.
Edo Poll: Gov Obaseki Votes in His Polling Unit
12:08 Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State participated in the 2024 governorship election by casting his vote at his polling unit. He voted at Polling Unit 19, Ward 4, Oredo, located inside Emokpae Primary School, Benin City. This election was significant as it determined who would succeed Obaseki after his tenure, with various political parties vying for the governorship seat. The election saw notable turnout and was marked by the involvement of several major political figures and parties, including the PDP, APC, and Labour Party, each with their candidates and campaigns. The process was under scrutiny for peacefulness
#EdoDecides2024: Angry Voter Scolds INEC Officials Over Delay pic.twitter.com/xjC8QYxyYt
— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) September 21, 2024
Edo Poll: EFCC Arrests Suspected Vote-Buyers
10:30am The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken action against electoral malpractice by arresting individuals suspected of vote-buying during the Edo State governorship election which took place on September 21, 2024. This operation reflects the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to curb the influence of financial inducements in electoral processes, aiming to ensure that elections reflect the true will of the electorate without the distortion caused by monetary incentives. Vote-buying undermines the democratic process by potentially swaying voters’ decisions based on immediate financial gain rather than policy or candidate merit.
The EFCC’s deployment and subsequent arrests are part of a broader strategy to monitor and prevent voter inducement across all local government areas in Edo State. This move is in line with the commission’s mandate to tackle financial crimes, extending to the realm of electoral offenses where money changes hands to influence voting behavior.
7:54am ad hoc officials are currently setting up at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) located in Ward 7, Unit 3, within Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo South. This setup is in preparation for the Edo State elections, specifically mentioned as part of the activities for… pic.twitter.com/G2EE1gQGhf
— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) September 21, 2024
INEC Officials Absent At Ighodalo’s Polling Unit
10:12am **Delay and Absence**: Reports indicated that INEC officials were not present at Ighodalo’s polling unit hours after the scheduled start time for voting. This delay was not isolated but part of a pattern where, in some areas, INEC officials were either late or absent, which could be attributed to logistical issues like transport breakdowns or inadequate security arrangements.
– **Logistical Challenges**: Some posts from platforms like X highlighted reasons like the absence of security personnel, which led INEC officials to delay setting up at certain locations. For instance, there were mentions of INEC officials awaiting police escort or the absence of police at polling units, suggesting that security coordination might have been part of the problem.
Breaking News: Edo Election: Police Arrest Thugs, Seize Firearms.
8:01am The police arrested two individuals described as political thugs. These arrests were made during overnight operations across Edo State. The individuals arrested were Edwin Obanor, aged 43, and Audu Tajudeen, aged 41, the latter being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo. Firearms, including locally fabricated pistols and a locally made gun, were recovered from these suspects.
– **Purpose and Commitment**: These actions are part of the police’s broader strategy to curb electoral violence. The Nigeria Police Force has emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring a peaceful electoral process, and dealing firmly with anyone attempting to disrupt the election through violence or illegal means.
– **Public Assurance**: The police have reassured the public of their dedication to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities. This move is intended to foster an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
7:54am ad hoc officials are currently setting up at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) located in Ward 7, Unit 3, within Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo South. This setup is in preparation for the Edo State elections, specifically mentioned as part of the activities for #EdoElection2024. The deployment of officials and materials to RACs is a crucial step in the electoral process, where these centres serve as key points for the distribution of electoral materials and the training or briefing of polling officials before they move to their assigned polling units on election day.
This activity suggests that electoral preparations are ongoing in this specific location, aligning with the broader electoral activities across Edo State for the elections occurring around this time. However, there have been mentions of delays or INEC officials not yet arriving at some locations, indicating that while preparations are underway, there might be logistical challenges or delays in some areas.
The Edo State Gubernatorial Election in 2024 is scheduled for September 21, 2024, and is poised to be a significant political event in Nigeria, drawing considerable attention due to the political dynamics at play. Here’s what you need to know based on the latest information:
- Candidates: The election features a competitive field with notable candidates from major political parties. Asue Ighodalo is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo represents the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata is running for the Labour Party (LP). Additionally, there are 14 other candidates, including one female contestant, showcasing a diverse political landscape.
- Election Preparations: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been actively preparing for this election, including the publication of candidates’ details for public scrutiny. The electoral body has announced that out of 2,629,025 registered voters in Edo State, 2,249,780 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), indicating a high level of voter readiness. INEC has also emphasized the use of technology like BVAS and IReV to ensure transparency.
- Political Strategies and Public Sentiment: There’s a notable buzz around the Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, especially following the involvement of Peter Obi, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, in his campaign. Social media sentiments, particularly on platforms like X, suggest enthusiasm for Akpata, with claims of widespread support potentially posing a challenge to the ruling PDP and the opposition APC. However, political analysts and posts also suggest a tight race, with PDP and APC candidates campaigning extensively across the state.
- Voter Turnout and Strategy: There’s speculation on voter turnout, with some suggesting that despite a large number of registered voters, the actual turnout might be significantly lower, potentially influencing strategies on getting out the vote.
- Security Measures: In response to the election, the Nigeria Police Force has announced restrictions on vehicular movement on election day to ensure security, with special considerations for vulnerable groups.
- Outcome Speculation: While there’s excitement around candidates, especially from newer political entrants like the LP, the outcome remains uncertain. The PDP, being the incumbent party, has its own base of support, and the APC’s candidate has been campaigning vigorously to sway voters. The actual impact of these campaigns and the effectiveness of party endorsements or alliances will only be clear post-election.
This election is not just about who will govern Edo State next but also reflects broader political trends in Nigeria, including the impact of new political movements and the effectiveness of grassroots campaigns versus traditional political strategies.
