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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Demand for Review: The PDP has demanded a review of the collation process, insisting that any continuation without addressing these issues would violate the will of the people and breach the Electoral Act 2022.

From posts on X, there’s a mix of reactions:

• Support for PDP’s Claims: Some users expressed dismay over the reported actions of INEC, suggesting that the election results might be manipulated, especially since PDP was reportedly leading in real-time results posted online.
• Skepticism: Others on the platform questioned the haste in which PDP was reacting or casting doubt on the process, suggesting that such accusations might be premature without full investigation.
• Call for Transparency: A general sentiment among observers is a call for INEC to uphold transparency and adhere strictly to electoral guidelines, emphasizing the need for INEC to be reputable and fair.

Given these points, the situation underscores ongoing tensions regarding electoral integrity in Nigeria. PDP’s allegations, if substantiated, could significantly impact the credibility of the election results. However, these claims are currently based on the PDP’s perspective and social media sentiments, indicating a situation that requires further investigation and possibly legal scrutiny to determine the facts. The response from INEC or other political parties involved, like APC, would provide a more rounded view of the situation, but as of now, PDP’s claims have stirred significant controversy and concern over the electoral process in Edo State.