Obaseki Forced to Leave INEC Office by Police During Edo Elections
Obaseki Removed from INEC Office During Edo Elections
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Benin by the Nigerian police in the early hours of Sunday, September 22, 2024. Obaseki, who arrived at the premises around 2 AM, held a private meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) but was forced to leave due to increasing tensions sparked by protests from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Protests Led by APC Members Against Obaseki
Shortly after Obaseki arrived at INEC’s office, APC members, led by National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru and Dennis Idahosa, running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo, stormed the premises in protest. They demanded that Obaseki, who is not a candidate in the election, leave the premises. Idahosa criticized the governor’s presence, calling it inappropriate and an abuse of office. Protesters attempted to force their way into the premises but were stopped by armed security.
Police Involvement and Obaseki’s Departure
As tensions escalated, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba intervened, walking into the INEC office to confront Obaseki. Mba, visibly frustrated, ordered the governor to leave the premises. Obaseki, seemingly preoccupied, had to be forcefully escorted out by police officers. This occurred just hours before INEC announced that the collation of election results would begin at 10 AM, although it remains unclear whether this was the topic discussed in Obaseki’s meeting.
Election Overview and Key Players
The Edo governorship election saw the active participation of major political figures, including APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo and his running mate Dennis Idahosa. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who succeeded Obaseki, is also vying for the governorship. Results are being collated from various polling units, with expectations that both parties will put up a strong fight.
Each polling unit’s results are critical to determining the outcome, with voting recorded in urban and rural areas. Benin City remains a battleground for both parties. Both APC and PDP are keen to assert dominance in the region, and tensions remain high as the results are being tabulated.
Social Media Reactions
- @EhisBeninBoy: “Obaseki being escorted out of INEC? This is serious. Edo elections are heating up! #EdoDecides2024”
- @ChinazaPolitics: “Why was Obaseki at INEC office in the first place? Not looking good for him. #EdoElections”
- @UcheNigerianVoice: “APC is bringing the heat to Edo! But police removing Obaseki? That’s a headline! #EdoElectionUpdates”
- @FolaLawyer: “It’s one thing for Obaseki to show up, but to get kicked out by police? That’s wild. #EdoDecides”
- @TinuOkoroSports: “INEC office drama just before results? This is why elections in Nigeria are always high tension! #EdoDecides2024”
- @BenjiPoliticalObserver: “Can’t believe Obaseki was in INEC after 2 AM. No wonder APC was mad. #Edo2024Elections”
- @AishaPeopleTalk: “Elections or drama? Obaseki being escorted by the police is something I didn’t expect. #EdoDecides”
- @KolaElectionsGuy: “The fact that police got involved makes this whole situation more intense. #EdoElection2024”
- @NgoziPoliticsNow: “Obaseki should have stayed out of the INEC office. APC’s protest is understandable. #EdoDecides2024”
- @TopeFromEdo: “So the police really walked Obaseki out? That’s a power move in the Edo elections. #EdoDecides”
- @BamideleElectionsExpert: “The last-minute drama at INEC’s office is a bad look for Obaseki. Tensions rising. #EdoElection2024”
- @SimiLawAndOrder: “If Obaseki wasn’t supposed to be at INEC, police had every right to step in. Wild day in Edo! #EdoDecides”
- @FemiElectionWatch: “INEC and police need to keep things fair. Obaseki being there raises questions. #EdoElections2024”
As the election results are collated, the drama surrounding the INEC office has added to the already high stakes in Edo State, and the people of Nigeria are watching closely to see what happens next.
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