CSOs Question INEC’s Transparency in Edo Election
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
A coalition of accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) has raised alarm over the transparency of the Edo governorship election held on September 21, 2024. These CSOs include the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative, and others. In their statement, they cited significant irregularities during the collation process, expressing dissatisfaction with the results despite the reported smooth voting at polling units.
Collation Process Violates Electoral Act
The coalition, in their report, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating the Electoral Act 2022 during the collation of results at the ward and local government levels. Comrade Peter Nwokolo, one of the coordinators, emphasized that while INEC followed the guidelines at polling units, it failed to do so during the collation process, leading to disputes over the authenticity of the results.
Alleged Use of Two Sets of Result Sheets
The CSOs claim that two sets of result sheets were in circulation—one used at the polling units and another that appeared to favor the All Progressive Congress (APC), whose candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner. This discrepancy has fueled concerns about the fairness of the entire process, prompting the CSOs to call for a review.
Militarization and Intimidation at Collation Centers
The observers also expressed concern over the involvement of military and police personnel in the electoral process, alleging that they interfered with the collation and intimidated INEC officials. “There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments, and state collation centers,” the coalition declared, questioning the legitimacy of the results.
CSOs Demand a Review of the Electoral Process
The CSOs are calling for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democracy. They believe that the violations witnessed during the collation process tarnish the credibility of the election, and demand swift action to address these concerns.
A Coalition of Diverse Organizations
The coalition represents various organizations, including the Citizens Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative, Centre for Development & Transformation Initiative, Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission in Nigeria, and the Amazon Women of Substance Initiative. Collectively, they are pushing for reforms in the way elections are conducted and urging for greater accountability.
Nigeria Social Media Reactions to Edo Election Results Controversy
- @ToluPoliticsNG: “Civil society groups rejecting the results? This raises serious questions about our electoral process. #EdoElection2024”
- @KemiRightsWatch: “INEC has a lot of explaining to do. Two sets of result sheets? That’s a clear violation. #EdoElectionViolation”
- @FemiElectionsNow: “Militarization of elections is not democracy. The CSOs have every right to demand answers. #EdoPolls2024”
- @AdaPeaceBuilder: “How can we trust the system when the military interferes with election results? INEC must do better! #RestoreDemocracy”
- @YusufForJustice: “The CSOs are right to reject these results. Electoral transparency is non-negotiable. #ElectoralAct2022”
- @ChinyereActivist: “Using the police and military to intimidate election officials is unacceptable. We need free and fair elections. #EdoElectionViolations”
- @TundeCitizenPower: “CSOs raising alarms about INEC collusion with the military is worrying. Democracy is at risk. #NigeriaElectoralReform”
- @HalimaVotesMatter: “If INEC followed the rules at polling units but not during collation, then the results are clearly flawed. #Edo2024”
- @BayoForDemocracy: “Civil society groups are essential in protecting democracy. Kudos to them for standing up against this injustice. #RejectElectionFraud”
- @ZainabRightsNG: “This is why people don’t trust elections. The CSOs have a point—how can two result sheets exist? #ElectionIntegrity”
- @KolaElectionObserver: “The election was peaceful at polling units but chaotic during collation. Something doesn’t add up. #ReviewEdoResults”
- @EstherDemocracyDefender: “Electoral violations during the collation process are a major red flag. The CSOs’ rejection is valid. #EdoElectionTransparency”
- @IbrahimActivismNow: “When the military gets involved in elections, it’s no longer democratic. INEC must address this immediately. #NigeriaElectionReform”
- @AmakaElectionsMatter: “Electoral integrity matters. We stand with the CSOs in rejecting manipulated results. #FixINEC #EdoElectionIssues”
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