The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a serious warning to political actors in Edo State, cautioning them against disrupting the collation of gubernatorial election results. Tensions and protests were reported at INEC’s headquarters following the conclusion of the elections on Saturday, prompting INEC’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, to denounce the actions of certain political figures as inappropriate.
In a statement on Sunday, Haruna emphasized that the collation process would proceed as planned, in strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2022. He assured the public that the collation of results from polling units and wards was already in progress, with results being successfully uploaded for review.
Haruna expressed concern about a recent incident involving threats to INEC’s office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area, which led to a stampede and caused an injury to one official. He also criticized the demonstrations by political actors at INEC’s state headquarters, deeming such behaviors unwarranted and unacceptable.
“We are equally troubled by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of the final collation. These actions are unwarranted. Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage, and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness,” stated Haruna.
He reiterated that INEC has procedures in place to address complaints during the collation process, including the authority to review results declared under coercion. Haruna assured that accredited party agents, observers, and the media would have unrestricted access to all collation centers and urged security agencies to uphold their professionalism in securing the finalization of the results.
“The Commission emphasizes the importance of addressing complaints during collation, including the authority to review results declared under coercion. The Commission will not hesitate to utilize such authority when necessary. Accredited party agents, observers, and the media should be granted unrestricted access to all collation centers.
The Commission calls on security agencies to maintain the same level of vigilance and professionalism that ensured the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process,” he added.