#EdoDecides2024: Obaseki pulled out of INEC office

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was forcibly escorted out of the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City early Sunday morning by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba.

The governor had arrived at the location shortly after 2 a.m. and was eventually asked to leave by security forces at around 3:30 a.m., following protests led by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The protest, spearheaded by APC gubernatorial candidate Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Dennis Idahosa, saw demonstrators demanding Obaseki’s exit, citing his lack of involvement in the electoral process.
.The APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, further condemned Obaseki’s presence, calling it an abuse of office, as the governor is not a candidate in the election.

Obaseki had reportedly entered the INEC premises under the cover of night and positioned himself near the office of the Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), where results from the governorship election were being collated.

Despite protesters’ attempts to storm the premises, they were held back by police officers.

DIG Mba eventually led Obaseki out of the premises as police shouted, “Leave, leave,” marking a tense moment in the ongoing election.