Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Monday, September 23, lauded the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state, describing it as a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said that the people’s say remains the most potent force in any democracy.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State after polling 291,667 votes against Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 247,274 votes to place second while the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Olumide Akpata, garnered 22,763 votes to place third.
Senator Barau, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, commended INEC for upholding the people’s will as expressed by their votes.
He also applauded the visionary leadership of the national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, which, according to him, has given the party more cohesion and ultimately led to the party’s victory in the election.
“The victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State is well-deserved. I congratulate the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo and all our supporters for this victory. It is not just a victory for the APC but for our democracy and the people of Edo State.
“This victory is a further expression of the confidence of the people of the state in the exemplary leadership and performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his assumption of office in May last year.
“It is also a result of the visionary leadership of our national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has made the party more cohesive and paved the way for its victory in this election,” he said.
Senator Barau, while calling on the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory, urged all those who contested the elections but lost to lend their support in moving Edo State forward.
“I, therefore, implore my friend, the governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo, to be magnanimous in victory and equally call on all others who contested against him but lost to lend their hands of support in moving Edo State forward,” he said.
Ahead of the upcoming local government elections on October 5, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom has successfully reconciled its aggrieved members.
The party acknowledged lingering discontent among some members stemming from internal conflicts during last year’s elections, which led to losses for its candidates.
At a reconciliation meeting held in Uyo, Senator Ita Enang, on Sunday, September 22, Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee, urged former candidates and aspirants to set aside their grievances and unite to secure victories in all 31 local governments.
He praised their attendance at the meeting, noting that their participation reflected confidence and faith in the party despite past differences.
Enang stated: “Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mandated me to apologize for any pain caused by the party’s conduct in the last elections.”
He acknowledged the members’ investments in the party and the shared experience of loss.
Enang emphasised the importance of unity, saying, “In party matters, there will be pain and hurt. We must come together and build the party, as there is a brighter future for the party and the people.”
The APC Chieftain extended appreciation from Senate President Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the party faithful, recognizing their contributions to the party’s success in the state.
Meanwhile, APC State Chairman Stephen Ntukekpo advised party members to remain focused and strengthen the party.
Represented by deputy chairman, David Umoessien, Ntukekpo expressed confidence in the party’s dominance and impending victory in the forthcoming elections, despite the current control by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chief Ita Toyo, a Reconciliation Committee member, stressed the importance of reconciliation, saying, “Although expressing grievances is necessary, reconciliation benefits the party.”
However, the aggrieved members resolved to put aside their differences and foster unity to ensure the party’s success in the upcoming local government elections.
Other reconciliation committee members present included Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong, Prof. Etok Ekanem, Engr. Ita Awak, and Pastor Uduakabasi Ikpat as Secretary.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has exalted Senator Oluremi Tinubu for being the solid pillar of support behind the political trajectory of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eulogising the country’s First Lady on the occasion of her 64th birthday anniversary, the governing party described the former Senator of Lagos Central as a true mother of the nation.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka in a congratulatory message in Abuja on Saturday said the wife of the President has been living a life of immeasurable impact.
The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) felicitates with the First Lady and wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on the occasion of her 64th birthday anniversary.
“Our great Party celebrates Senator Tinubu who has been a solid pillar of support to her husband through his sojourn as a pro-democracy activist, Senator, Governor, and now President, entrusted with the mandate to reposition our dear country for greatness and prosperity.
“A true mother of the nation, and long standing philanthropist, Senator Tinubu, has continued to empower millions of youth, women, senior citizens and vulnerable groups in the country to live better lives under the banner of flagship platforms, including the Renewed Hope Initiative and New Era Foundation. Senator Tinubu has extended scholarships to Nigerian students, financial support for women in various economic endeavors, medical assistance to many citizens, among other interventions.
“On behalf of the National Chairman of the APC, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (CON), distinguished members of the National Working Committee, leaders and members of our great Party, we join the first family, friends and well-wishers in celebration of our dear First Lady’s 64th anniversary of a life of immeasurable impact.
“We pray God, in His infinite mercies, to grant you many more years in excellent health to continue your service to our dear nation, and humanity.”
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has failed to deliver his Oredo local government area for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday’s governorship election.
The All Progressives Congress polled 30,780 while the PDP got 24,938 votes in the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Winning election in Oredo has been a difficult task for Obaseki since he assumed power.
In both 2020 and 2023 general elections, Obaseki failed to produce the House of Representatives lawmaker for Oredo federal constituency.
He also failed to produce the Senator for Edo South senatorial district in both elections.
Edo polls: PDP’s supporters storm INEC office, allege manipulation of results
From Osagie Otabor, Benin
Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State held a peaceful protest at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), causing significant traffic congestion on the Benin-Abuja highway.
Some protesters sat on the road while security forces maintained a barrier to the INEC office, which was heavily guarded in response to the demonstration.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) currently leads based on results from 17 local government areas, but protesters claimed that the announced results were manipulated, differing from those reported at the polling units.
One of the protesters, identified as Frank, called for President Bola Tinubu to intervene and investigate the situation.
He said: “What we are saying is that we will not allow anyone to tamper with the wish of the Edo people. People have voted for our candidate (Igodalo) and some people want to use the power from above to turn the results upside down, we won’t accept it. No, we won’t.
“We have the authentic results with us and the ones they announced are different, that means someone has tampered with the results, we will not take it.
“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in this matter, some people should not burn our state.”
Edo polls: PDP cautions INEC against declaring result
…calls for review of result
From Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Osagie Otabor
The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against announcing the results of the just concluded governorship election in the state.
It called on the electoral body to review results being declared by its Local Government Returning Officers and the results uploaded on Irevs portal.
Edo state chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who spoke at a press conference in Benin City, said preliminary findings showed massive irregularities, unjust inflation of APC votes, and deduction of PDP votes in the collation of results.
Aziegbemi noted that the summation of figures on the form EC8C ought to be uploaded on the Irev portal.
He said results announced by the LGA returning officer should tally with the uploaded figures.
The Ondo PDP Chairman said the discrepancies occurred across the 18 local government areas in the state.
He insisted: “Asue will be declared Governor after the anomalies have been cleared.
“INEC should use the window to review the result before the announcement. If INEC does not do that, it will undermine the gains recorded under its current chairman.
“You cannot have three different figures from the same election.
“These anomalies happened across the 18 local government areas. It is in the interest of INEC not to declare the results until they go through the anomalies.
“If the review affects us, so be it. We are not saying check only where APC won but across the board. It is our right to demand INEC to query the BVAS.
“A simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 25,010 votes while 34,847 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. While for the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 18,620 but 15,865 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer.
“It would interest you that in Ward 9 Akoko Edo LGA, from the 36 Polling Unit results uploaded on the IREV, the total votes obtained by APC is 2,350 while 9104 was entered into the EC8B result for APC. The total votes for PDP is 1359 while 633 were entered in the EC8B.
“Also, in Ward 6 Akoko Edo LGA, where elections were not held in Ward 6 Units 12, 17, 15, 18, 14, and 16, results were returned for the said polling units in the Ward Result sheet (EC8B).
“In Egor LG, a simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 10,972 votes while 16,760 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. While for the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 14,485 but 14,658 were returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer.
“It would interest you to note that the collation of the Egor LGA was not done at the designated LGA centre but was moved to the INEC State HQ and the PDP agent was not allowed access to be part of the exercise.
“A simple collation of all the votes recorded in the polling unit results uploaded on the IREV shows that the APC obtained 29,858 votes while 32,107 votes were recorded in the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer. While for the PDP, a collation of the votes from the results uploaded on the IREV is 16,712 but 17,483 was returned on the EC8C declared by the LGA Returning Officer.
“We therefore demand the immediate re-collation and recomputation of the actual results for the various polling units in the above highlighted local government areas in compliance with the INEC guidelines and regulations which mandate that votes from various units and wards be properly collated.”
Edo 2024: INEC resumes collation at 5pm
By Bisi Olaniyi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collation of results for the Edo State governorship election will continue at 5 PM today, focusing on the remaining two local government areas (LGAs): Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha.
Barr. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), voted at Unit 11, Ward 6 in Oredo LGA, which is also home to PDP Governor Godwin Obaseki and several key APC leaders.
The PDP’s deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and many APC leaders are from Ikpoba-Okha LGA, located in Benin Kingdom.
Accord Party’s Enabulele expresses displeasure over Edo election
By Samuel Oamen
Dr. Bright Enabulele, the governorship candidate of the Accord Party, has expressed his displeasure over the conduct of the Saturday, September 21, election in Edo state, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not being transparent.
Enabulele’s claims center around alleged manipulation of results which he asserts undermined the democratic process.
Addressing journalists in his hometown following the polls, Enabulele highlighted his experience at his polling unit, Ward 5 St Saviour Ivbiyeneva Primary School XVI in the Ikpoba/Okha local government area.
According to Enabulele, despite voting on live television and being confident of securing hundreds of votes, the official results recorded zero votes for him.
“My election was recorded as zero despite voting. It was on live TV that I voted. How come INEC recorded zero votes for me?” he questioned, expressing disbelief over the glaring discrepancy.
Enabulele further stated: “I am a candidate, and my vote is not counted. The one result alone shows that the election results are not credible.”
He criticised the electoral process, asserting that without proper safeguards, credible outcomes cannot be achieved.
“The only way to produce a credible winner is to have an electoral system without human interference, and in my opinion, blockchain is the answer. BVAS was not used at all,” he insisted.
The candidate threatened to take legal action against INEC for what he termed “inconsistency and corruption,” demanding accountability for the alleged electoral misconduct.
While maintaining that only elections without human interference can give Nigerians the leaders they truly wanted, Enabulele insisted that results should be counted and transmitted on the spot.
“Our land will continue to suffer if we don’t have this mechanism in place. God bless Edo State and Nigeria,” he was quoted as saying.
Edo guber: Disregard Fintiri’s illegal results, APC tells Edo electorate
By Jide Orintunsin
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has branded the announcement of the results of Edo State governorship election by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors led by Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State as a blatant violation of electoral law.
The governing party also said the action by the opposition governors was an attempt to disrupt the democratic process and cause a crisis in the state.
APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Sunday faulted Fintiri describing his action as “utter desperation and mindless impunity.”
Governors elected on the platform of the PDP led by the Governor of Adamawa state, Umaru Fintiri on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Benin addressed a press conference to declare the Edo State Governorship election, held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Reacting to the development in the statement, Morka noted that, “in a display of utter desperation and mindless impunity, Governor Fintiri announced what he described as “results of the Edo State Gubernatorial Election” held yesterday, Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this act of executive brigandage and contempt for the rule of law and democratic norms. Governor Fintiri has no authority to collate or announce the results of any election.
“This unprecedented illegality is calculated to cause unrest in Edo State, disrupt the peaceful conclusion of the election process, and undermine the lawful authority of INEC. We urge our law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to maintain peace and security in the state.
“Fintiri’s bizarre action follows Governor Godwin Obaseki’s disruptive overnight invasion of INEC’s premises in Benin City until he eventually withdrew in the early hours of Sunday, following protests by APC leaders.”
APC maintained: “The power and duty to conduct, collate, and announce the result of the election is exclusively vested in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by law.
“By seeking to usurp the statutory power of INEC, Governor Fintiri engaged in unmistakable and egregious violation of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a thing of disappointment that Governor Fintiri, a beneficiary of the electoral process, would so recklessly disregard the same process that brought him to office as Governor, in a desperate move to mislead, and achieve a partisan political advantage.
“To be clear, the purported election results announced by Fintiri are bogus, fake, and contrived by devious imagination.”
The ruling party then urged the Edo electorate and the general public to disregard Fintiri’s unlawful and unauthorized announcement of election results.
Edo polls: APC deputy guber candidate Idahosa loses LG to PDP
By Osagie Otabor
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Dennis Idahosa, lost his Ovia Southwest local government area to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Idahosa is the lawmaker representing the Ovia federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
The APC got 10,150 votes while the PDP got 10,260 votes.
Also, Omosede Igbinedion lost in Ovia northeast local government to the PDP.
The PDP got 15,311 votes to defeat the APC which got 13,225.
It was predicted that the PDP would lose in both local government areas due to the recent defection of Barr. Igbinedion to the APC.
Despite predictions suggesting a possible victory for the APC in both areas following Barr. Igbinedion’s recent defection, the PDP emerged victorious.
BREAKING: Edo 2024: APC wins Esan West LGA as INEC begins collation
By Bisi Olaniyi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the election held on Saturday, September 21, in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
INEC made the announcement on Sunday, September 22, at the state collation centre for the Edo election, revealing the following results:
Esan West LGA, with 10 wards.
Total registered voters = 113,067
Total accredited voters = 25,702
APC= 12,952
PDP = 11,004
LP = 342
Total valid votes = 24,691.
Rejected votes = 693.
Total votes cast = 25,384.
Details shortly…
Edo 2024: Don’t disrupt collation of results, INEC warns political actors
…says collation will go ahead
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over the presence of some political figures at its Edo state headquarters on Saturday night, shortly after the gubernatorial elections concluded.
Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated in a statement that the actions of some political actors were inappropriate and cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the collation process.
He said in spite of the action which created tension, the commission was going ahead with the collation of the results, threatening to invoke the relevant sections of the law against those trying to disrupt the process.
The statement reads: “Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest.
“The same results have also been collated from all the 192 Wards. Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation.
“However, the Commission received a deeply disturbing report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area yesterday, resulting in a stampede in which one of our officials was injured.
“We are similarly distubed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for.
“Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections.
“There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.
“Accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres.
“The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process.”
UPDATED: Police walk Obaseki out of INEC’s office
By Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Osagie Otabor, Benin
…as APC lambasts Edo governor, says his action is abuse of office
In the early hours of September 22, 2024, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki quietly stormed the State Collation Centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Aduwawa, Benin, to protest the governorship election results, even though the official results had not yet been announced.
Obaseki, a key supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, sneaked into the INEC premises around 2 a.m., under the cover of darkness.
He proceeded to the first floor of the building, where the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, is located.
However, the REC did not attend to Obaseki, who quietly remained near the office to monitor the situation.
Unofficial reports indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was leading in the polls, with results from all 18 local government areas pointing to a likely APC victory. The official collation of results was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Governor Godwin Obaseki eventually left the INEC office at 4:45 a.m., amid jeers from top politicians present at the electoral commission’s headquarters.
He left without speaking, briefly glancing back as he made his way out.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, who was overseeing security for the Edo election, was present with a heavy police presence to maintain peace and order.
While Obaseki remained inside the INEC office, APC national secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola, also arrived at the premises, reportedly acting on credible information about the governor’s presence.
Speaking with reporters, Ajibola criticised Obaseki’s actions, accusing him of behaving unprofessionally.
Ajibola, former senator for Osun Central, was joined by APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Edo APC Deputy Governorship Candidate Dennis Idahosa, who represents Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives; Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe; and other prominent politicians.
He emphasised that the APC was not concerned about the collation of results but insisted that INEC officials must remove Governor Obaseki from the premises.
He pointed out that the governor was not an accredited party agent and had no legitimate reason to be at the electoral commission’s office.
Ajibola described Obaseki’s presence as suspicious, raising concerns that it could undermine the democratic process in Edo.
Ajibola further argued that Governor Obaseki’s presence at INEC’s state headquarters in Benin was an abuse of office and an act of self-help, which could incite lawlessness.
He emphasised that any grievances should be addressed through judicial means, if necessary. Ajibola commended Mba for his intervention, as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police respectfully requested the governor to leave the premises.
Obaseki, however, was reportedly still holding onto the results from the September 19, 2020, governorship election, treating them as if they were the yet-to-be-collated results of the September 21, 2024 election.
Ajibola criticised Governor Obaseki’s presence at INEC’s state headquarters in Benin, calling it an abuse of office and a form of self-help that could lead to lawlessness.
He stressed that if the governor had any grievances, there were legal channels to address them, praising the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, for politely asking Obaseki to leave the premises.
Ajibola pointed out that Obaseki was still holding onto the results of the September 19, 2020, governorship election, claiming them to be part of the yet-to-be-collated results for the September 21, 2024 election.
The first episode of drama occurred around 11 p.m. on September 21, 2024, when PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, arrived at INEC’s Edo state headquarters, where the State Collation Centre is located.
However, armed security operatives prevented them from approaching the main gate, let alone entering the premises. The security officers deemed their presence unnecessary and described it as an act of desperation, especially since the PDP had a state collation agent who could have raised any protests on their behalf.
The Edo State Chairman of the APC, serving as the party’s collation agent, appeared relaxed and smiling as he entered the state collation centre.
For about an hour, he engaged in discussions with friends and political associates from various parties.
Meanwhile, security operatives refused to grant access to the PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie; and PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, barring them from entering INEC’s state headquarters in Benin.
At around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council of the PDP, and a former Majority Leader of the Edo House of Assembly, led a protest at the main gate of INEC’s headquarters, joined by other PDP members.
They expressed concerns that the governorship election was being manipulated in favour of APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo. Despite their protests, security operatives also denied them access. Iduoriyekemwen claimed that the PDP was on the verge of victory but accused some APC leaders of attempting to tamper with the final results, undermining the will of the Edo electorate.
The director-general of the PDP campaign also accused the APC leader in Edo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, of attempting to manipulate the election.
Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the APC and ex-governor of Edo State (2008-2016), currently represents Edo North Senatorial District.
The director-general further alleged that Comrade Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Edo Deputy Governor and former House of Representatives member, was involved in the misconduct.
Both Oshiomhole and Shaibu were accused of thumbprinting ballot papers to reduce the gap by which the APC was leading.
JUST IN: Obaseki forced out of INEC office
By Alao Abiodun
Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, has been forced out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Benin.
The INEC head office in Benin, Edo capital, is the main collation centre for the ongoing governorship election.
The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dennis Idahosa led members of the party to demand the exit of Obaseki from the premises of the Commission.
Idahosa, who was spotted shouting outside the gate at about 3.30 am, queried why Governor Obaseki should be at the Commission’s office where the collation of the final results of the election would be done.
It took the timely intervention of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of the election, Frank Mba, who came into the premises with his team to restore normalcy, demanding Obaseki’s exit.
Obaseki left the INEC office around 4:45 am.
APC national secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists emphasising that the governor had no reason to be on the INEC premises.
“He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here”, Basiru emphasised, adding that the governor’s action amounted to an abuse of office.
RESULTS
IMIAGBESE P/S IMIAGBESE III, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UTAYOKHE PRY SCH, IMIOSUMU/IMOGIA II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE, IMIOGA, OKPELLA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IMIAGBESE P/S IMIAGBESE IV, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IKPOMAZA GRAMMAR SCHOOL, OKPELLA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UDIOKE VILLAGE SQ., Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA P/S AWUYEMI IV, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IKPOMAZA GRAMMAR SCH II, OKPELLA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
COURT HALL,IMIAKHANA/IMIANOKO, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, IMIETEMEGIE/ITEKUME/IMIADATSE, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA P/S AWUYEMI III, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UTAYOKHE PRY. SCHOOL, IMIOSUMU/IMOGIA, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
TOWN HALL IMIANOKO, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, IMIETEMEGHE/ITEKUME/IMIADATSE II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, AWUYEMI – II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFEGBUA PRY. SCHOOL, AWUYEMI – I, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
PUBLIC SQUARE, IMIADATSE-ORERE, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IMIAGBESE PRY. SCHOOL IMIAGBESE I, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IMIAGBESE PRY. SCHOOL IMIAGBESE II, Ward: OKPELLA I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
KALABA COMMUNITY CENTER, KALABAR, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE P/S IMIOKO/UTEGIE II, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFOKPELLA SEC/SCH II ,OGEDE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY SCHOOL, IMIOKO/UTEGIE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
RHINOCEM, FACTORY CAMP, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE P/S. IMIOKO UTEGIE III, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EWO MARKET OFOMEGBE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LGA MATERNITY IMIOMIME /IDANE/ OKE IV PRY HEALTH CENTER, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LOCAL GOVT. MATERNITY, IMIOMIME/IDANE/OKE II, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY. SCHOOL, KALABAR, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER OGIRIGA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LGA MATERNITY IMIOMIME/IDANE/OKE III, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
LOCAL GOVT. MATERNITY, IMIOMIME/IDANE/OKE I, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OGODOR PRY. SCHOOL, OGIRIGA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY. SCHOOL, IMIOMOKA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
AFOKPELLA SEC/SCH I OGEDE, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ERAMHE PRY. SCHOOL, MIETEKE/YELUWA, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OGODOR P/S II OGIRIGA RD, Ward: OKPELLA III, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKWOTSOR – TOWN HALL, EKWOTSOR, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OSHOLO PRIMARY SCHOOL OSHOLO, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ARI, PRIMARY SCHOOL, IVIARI, mnWard: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKWOTSOR- PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OVUEGBE PRY. SCHOOL, AGIERE II, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
IVIARI PRI HEALTH CARE, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ADOSI PRY. SCHOOL, EKWOTSOR, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OKUGBE PRY. SCHOOL AVIODO, Ward: WEPPA, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGORI PRY. SCHOOL EGORI WATERSIDE, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGORI-UGIE, EGORI-UGIE, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EBUA P/S II IVIEBUA, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OKPODI PRIMARY SCH IVIANOKPODI II, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OKPODI PRY. SCHOOL , IVIANOKPODI, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UKHUA PRIMARY SCHOOL, IVIUKHUA I, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UKHUA ANNEX PRY. SCHOOL , UKHO, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UKHUA PRIMARY SCHOOL, IVIUKHUA II, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGBEPUI PRY. SCHOOL, IVIEGBEPUI, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EGBEPUI PRIMARY SCH IVIEGBEPUI II, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EBUA PRY. SCHOOL, IVIEBUA, Ward: WANNO I, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, OGUTE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, OGUTE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKURI P/S IGHIATSE/IMIHIRHOKHO/IMANABA III, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN P/S UDIEGWA II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKURI P/S IV, IGHATSE /IMHIRHOKHO /IMANABA, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN P/S OGUTE II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
EKURI PRY. SCHOOL, IGHIATSE/IMHIRHOKHO/IMANABA II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN P/S OKOKPETU II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OFUOKHA P/S II ITUROGBE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UDIOGIEGIE P/S IMIENEGWE II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
ILEWURI PUBLIC SQUARE, ILEWURI, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OFUOKHA P/S OKHU/OFUOKHA II, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, UDIEGWA, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OFUOKHA PRY. SCHOOL, OKHU/OFUOKHA, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UGBEDOGUN PRY. SCHOOL, OKOKPETU, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
UDIOGIEGIE PRY. SCHOOL, IMIENEGWE, Ward: OKPELLA II, Lga: ETSAKO EAST
OPEN SPACE BY OPENER STREET JUCTION UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY 4 JUNCTION AT OGBE CENTRAL UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO TOWNHALL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY FORESTRY ROAD JUNCTION BY UDO PARK, UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE -UDO NEW MARKET, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY INNE QUARTERS AND ARAGUN JUNCTION, UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, EZOTI P/SCHOOL I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO GRAMMAR SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO MATERNITY I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO , EZOTI P/SCHOOL III, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUEZE, IGUEZE VILLAGE, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BESIDE MOJO COUNTRY HOME, UDO, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, EZOTI P/SCHOOL II, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE AT&P MARKET, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
URHEZEN, OGBOE P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO MATERNITY II, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUAFOLE, OVONRAMWEN P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
MAIROGHIONBA PRY SCH. I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOWAN, IGUOWAN VILLAGE, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IKOKA-ETETE, EGHOSA P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKOMU STAFF SCHOOL, OKOMU, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKOMU, OKOMU P/SCHOOL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO P/SCHOOL (IGBESAMWAN) II, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, COURT HALL, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UDO, UDO P/SCHOOL (IGBESAMWAN) I, Ward: UDO, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
INEC uploads 86.19 percent of Edo Gov results on IREV
By Adedamola Ogunbewon
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released 86.19 per cent of the results from the Edo gubernatorial election on its Result Viewing Portal (iRev)
A visit to the iRev website by The Nation correspondent on Saturday revealed that 3,895 results out of 4,519 polling units where elections were conducted in the State have been uploaded.
OPEN SPACE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY BOREHOLE AT IGUOBAZUWA NEW MARKET, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA TOWNHALL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, OZOLUA P/SCHOOL IV, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE FARM ROAD JUNCTION IGUOGUN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY PUBLIC TAP, IGUOGUN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
AIFESOBA, AIFESOBA VILLAGE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY T_JUNCTION OLOGBOSERE QUATERS IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, OZOLUA P/SCHOOL I, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, OZOLUA P/SCHOOL III, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE, IGUOBAZUWA PUBLIC FIELD, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKUNZUWA, OKUNZUWA VILLAGE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOGUN, OBE P/SCHOOL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOGUN HEALTH POST, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
UBA PRIMARY SCHOOL IGUATAKPA III IJESHA VILLAGE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OSA PRIMARY SCHOOL IGUATAKPA II OGUNWALE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUATAKPA II , YORUBA CAMP, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY THE JUNCTION OPP NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH IGUOGUN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA EAST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY 3RD JUCTION ODIONWERE STREET OKOKPON, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BESIDE THE TRANSFORMER IGUOBAZUWA JUCTION, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY ANGLICAN ROAD JUNCTION IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY RURAL WATER PROJECT, OKOKPON, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA SKILL ACQUISITION CENTRE, BY OLD MARKET, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY BENJOUR STREET JUCTION OBARETIN, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, IGUOBAZUWA G/S, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE IN FRONT OF BLESSED OSAGIE GROUP OF SCHOOL OBAZUMAMWEHI, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY LOCAL HOUSE IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OPEN SPACE BY POLICE BARRACKS IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, MIN. OF EDUCATION III, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, MIN. OF EDUCATION I, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA HEALTH CENTRE, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
IGUOBAZUWA, MIN. OF EDUCATION II, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WES
OPEN SPACE BY GENERAL HOSPITAL IGUOBAZUWA, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OBARETIN, OKPON P/SCHOOL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
OKORO II, OKORO P/SCHOOL, Ward: IGUOBAZUWA WEST, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
AIGUOBASIMWINOTOR (AIGUOBASIMWINOTOR VILLAGE), Ward: NIKOROGHA, Lga: OVIA SOUTH WEST
Edo Decides: LP’s Akpata loses polling unit to Ighodalo
By Raymond Mordi, Benin
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Olumide Akpata lost his polling unit to his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Asue Ighodalo.
According to results declared at his Polling Unit 11, Ward 6, Oredo Local Government Area, Ighodalo polled 41 votes while Akpata trailed with 32 votes.
Senator Monday Okpehbolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came third with at the unit with 19 votes.
After casting his ballot earlier, Ighodalo boasted that he would win the governorship election by a landslide.
He said: “We will win this election by landslide and move our state forward by God’s grace. If there is anybody at home, please come out and cast your vote.
“We are not comfortable with the little shenanigans that is going on.This is a single state election and INEC has all the time to prepare, so there was no need for the delay.
“There are rumours that they are trying to undermine the election process. Many of them have been caught with ballot papers, PVC’s.
“The worst is that they go round trying to buy votes. They buy votes for N15,000 to N20,000. They are trying everything to subvert the process.”
He noted that the military has taken charge and shown they can protect the people.
Edo Decides: I will win with a landslide, Ighodalo boasts
By Bisi Olaniyi, Ewohimi
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Asue Ighodalo has boasted he will win with a landslide.
He spoke with reporters at his polling Unit 3, Ward One, Idinrio Vocational Centre, Okaegben-Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area.
He hailed the military for providing adequate security for the poll.
Ighodalo, who was accompanied by his wife, Ifeyinwa, and younger brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, of Trinity House, Lagos, also stated from the reports of PDP’s leaders, members and coordinators across Edo, the poll was peaceful and going on smoothly, with massive turn-out.
Edo Decides: INEC extends voting in polling units
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct the ongoing governorship election in Edo state.
The commission however extended accreditation and voting beyond 2.00pm ib areas where voting started late as a result of late arrival of materials
National Commissioner and Member of the
Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna said in a statement that the extension was in line with the guidelines for the conduct of the election and to ensure that no voter is disenfranchised.
The statement reads: “The Commission continues to monitor the ongoing governorship election in Edo State from our situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja.
“Our monitoring indicates early commencement of polls in many Polling Units, but there are also reports of late commencement in some locations.
“To ensure that no voter is disenfranchised, the Commission wishes to reiterate that, in line with our Regulations and Guidelines, voting will be extended wherever it commenced late and will continue until the last voter on the queue who arrived at the Polling Unit by 2.30pm has voted.
“Accordingly, we have drawn the attention of our office in Edo State to ensure that, where necessary, there is adequate power supply from our back-up electric generators in the affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centres.”
Edo decides: Obaseki votes, expresses satisfaction
By Samuel Oamen
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election in the state.
Obaseki cast his vote at polling unit 19, Ward 4, Oredo, located inside Emokpae Primary School, Benin City.
Obaseki expressed satisfaction with the voting process and expressed hope that the collation of results would be conducted fairly and without issues.
Voting commences in Shaibu polling unit
By Osagie Otabor
Voting commenced about 12:30 at the Unit five Ward 11 in Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State because of the failure of BVAS.
Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State Hon Philip Shaibu voted after the BVAS began working.
Voters at the polling unit waited for over four hours after accreditation.
A canopy was provided where the voters could wait.
Many of the voters cried foul play for the failure of BVAS at the polling unit where Shiabu cast his vote.
Shaibu, who spoke before the BVAS was rectified, said the polling unit has the highest number of voters.
“We have to calm them down. We have to go and get a canopy where the people can wait.
“Over 2000 voters will be disenfranchised if the BVAS did jot work. I don’t want to give it a name yet. Maybe it is a technology failure.They have assured us that when they fix it they will extend the voting time. The information from other areas of Edo North is good.
“We have made up our mind not to have an evil Governor, a governor that does not have empathy.”
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Asue Ighodalo has called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level-playing field and halt the alleged indiscriminate arrest of his supporters for the results of the crucial poll to be acceptable.
Ighodalo, who was accompanied by his wife, Ifeyinwa, and younger brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, spoke with reporters, amid downpour, at his Unit 3, Ward One, Idinrio Vocational Centre, Okaegben-Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area.
He complained of the late arrival of ad-hoc staff of INEC and electoral materials, which led to delay in the commencement of the simultaneous accreditation and voting from 11:02 a.m. today.
The standard bearer of PDP in Edo, who is still waiting to vote, called on INEC to extend accreditation and voting by three hours across the State based on reports he got from his coordinators.
A physically challenged woman at Idia College, Oredo, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
JUST IN: Okpebholo, Akpata vote as Edo Decides
By Samuel Oamen
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has voted in his PU003, Uwessan 1, Esan Central Local Government Area.
The senator, who represents Edo Central Zone, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not get a single vote at his polling unit as the party is not popular in his area.
“What I am seeing here is testimony that INEC is getting it right,” he said.
“PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me. I have nothing to fear. What they are saying about security is hyping. No knock out or a stick of matches. It is just to scare people away from voting.”
Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, also voted at polling unit 11 ward in Oredo Local Government Area.
He expressed satisfaction with the voting process, but hoped that it would be the same throughout the state.
Oshiomhole votes, says achievements endeared him to electorates
By Osagie Otabor 11: 45 am
A former Edo Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has voted at his Ward 10 Unit 01 Estako West Local Government Area.
Senator Oshiomhole voted after waiting in the queue for over one hour.
His nonagenarian mother, Aisha Oshiomhole, voted at the same polling unit.
Speaking to journalists after he voted, the former Edo Governor said his projects endeared the people to him.
He denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) stock-pilled money to buy votes adding that he has not received any report of violence from anywhere across the state.
“It is laughable when I heard this kind of allegation. Have you seen anywhere where they are sharing money? People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they want good government. During our campaign people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something but because of what I have done for them while I was in the office as the governor.
” All structures that I have put in place 12, 13 years ago are still there but the ones put up by the present administration, in one year , they are washed off. So our people have seen the difference. Some people do tell me that since I left the government, they haven’t seen the real presence of government in their communities.
“The voters know what they want. I am happy the media are here showing live pictures from a rural village like mine. Other people will watch it and see the election is peaceful. Rural people deserve a greater share of the federal budget than state budget. You can see that the people are peaceful.”
By Tony Akowe 11: 12 am
PDP’s Ighodalo arrives polling unit
PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, at his polling Unit 3, Ward One, Okaegben-Ewohimi in Esan Southeast LGA, Edo Central Senatorial District in company with his wife, Ifeyinwa, and younger brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.
By Bisi Olaniyi 10:38 a.m
EFCC storms Oshiomhole polling unit
By Osagie Otabor 10: 28 am
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stormed the Iyhamo primary school where former Governor Adams Oshiomhole is waiting on the queue to cast his vote.
The operatives were believed to be on the search for vote buyers.
Edo Decides: Observers satisified with early movement of materials
By Tony Akowe 10: 24 am
Some observers monitoring the ongoing governorship election in Edo State have expressed satisfaction with the early movement of election materials across the state.
Executive Director, Partners for Electoral Reforms and Board member, YIAGA Africa, Ezenwa Nwagu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth and early distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials across polling units nationwide.
Speaking to reporters at ward 12, Agbado primary school, in Benin city, Nwangu said the process has so far been very commendable and a far cry from previous situations where materials left for polling units late resulting in late commencement of polls.
He also commended the security put in place to ensure the safety of both the materials, electoral staff and the voters.
He said: “We have monitored the transportation of the materials from the RACs to polling units, and we are pleased with the organized and timeliness of the operation so far”.
Chairman of Connected Development (CODE) Hamza Lawal said INEC has adhered to its promise of early deployment of electron materials, which is a critical factor in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
“The early movement of materials to polling units is particularly commendable, as it shows the Commission’s commitment to a credible process and we expect that this is replicated across the board,” Lawal said.
Why I left my sick bed to vote, by septuagenarian
From Osagie Otabor 10:24 am
A septuagenarian, Fatima Jimoh, has said that she left her sick bed to vote in the Edo governorship election because of her love for former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Jimoh, who was aided by her daughter, said she wanted to make Oshiomhole happy be ensuirng his party won the polls.
After voting at Unit three, Ward 10, Iyhamo Primary School, Jimoh said,
“I am not feeling well. I like Oshiomhole. I come out of illness to vote.”
Voting commences in Emokpae Model Primary School
By Raymond Mordi and Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09.50 am
This is Emokpae Model Primary School, Mission Road, Benin City, where Godwin Obaseki is expected to cast his ballot.
Voting has commenced in the 10 polling units within the premises. The governor is yet to show up to vote.
Voting commences at Ogute
By Osagie Otabor 9:41 am
Voting has commenced at polling units in Ward six Ogute community in Estako East local government area.
There were large turn out of voters at the different polling units.
Those who spoke said they were happy at the early arrival of INEC officials.
Voting about to commence at the four polling units within Baptist High School, Ward 5 (units 21,22 and 23), Oredo Local Govt
By Raymond Mordi 09.30 am
Accreditation ongoing in ward 5 unity 21, Baptist High School, Oredo, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09:28 am
Ever busy TV road in Benin deserted
Photo: Isaac Jimoh 09: 23 am
Setting up at Ward 1 Unit 35 at Ogbe, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Foreign Observer at Ward 1 Unit 35 Ogbe, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09:14 am
One Mr Ugbebor Pedro Ken trying to locate his polling unit at Ogbe quarters, Benin
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 09:11 am
Voting yet to begin in parts of Oredo Local Govt
By Raymond Mordi09: 05 am
Today’s off-cycle electoral contest to determine who will occupy Dennis Osadebe House, the seat of power in Edo State when the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki lapses by November 12 this year is taking off on a bad note in Benin City, with the delay in deploying ad-hoc officials and materials to the various polling units.
For instance, as of 09.00am, ad-hoc officials have just arrived Unit 35, Ward 1, Oredo Local Government. They are now pasting the names of registered voters on the wall.
Benin City is the hub of Edo South Senatorial District. With its urban density, Edo South is a critical battleground in today’s election.
Voters storm polling units in Ukpellla
By Osagie Otabor 08:40 am
Voters have stormed polling unit in Ukpella, headquarters of Estako East local government area.
At Unit 12 and Unit 4 Ward Eight, voters were seen on the queue waiting for INEC officials to commence accreditation and voting.
High Chief Kashim Otaru, who was waiting in Ward 13 said he arrived at the polling unit at about 8:20am.
“I came early but INEC said they were programme to start at 8:30am. I expect a good turn out at the poll. We used to record massive votes in this polling unit.
“We are here to vote for the party of our choice.”
INEC ad-hoc officials setting up at Ogbe Primary School, Ogbe, Oredo Local Government, Benin City
By Raymond Mordi ans Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 08:15am
Voter waiting accreditation at Ogbe primary School, Stadium, Oredo L/G
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele 8:02am
INEC begins distribution of Electoral materials for 2024 Governorship election in Benin, Edo State
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Police in show of force in preparation for 2024 Governorship Election
Photos: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele
Edo election: Don’t wear campaign attire to polling units, INEC warns parties, supporters
By Tony Akowe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political parties, their candidates, and supporters for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo State. They are prohibited from wearing campaign attire or bringing campaign materials to polling units on Election Day.
The Commission reminded all parties and candidates that official campaigning ends at midnight on Thursday, September 19, in line with the Electoral Act 2023.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee stated that any rallies or processions after the campaign period concludes are illegal.
The statement reads: “The Commission wishes to remind political parties that in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, all campaigns by political parties end at midnight today, Thursday 19th September 2024.
“It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions, or media campaigns from midnight today. These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates, and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them.
“We urge parties, candidates, and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance.”
The South-West Zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is time to prepare the zone for the 2027 general elections.
The APC National Vice Chairman (South West), Mr Isaac Kekemeke, made this known at the media conference in Lagos yesterday.
Kekemeke said that the zonal chapter would hold a meeting on Oct. 5 ,in Lagos , to map out strategy for 2027 and prepare the zone for the election.
According to him, after every election, appointed and elected officials face government, and deliver on services in their mandate areas.
“But for the party, the next thing is the next election. So, we want to look at how we stand in the next election,” Kekemeke said.
On the current socio-economic challenges, the APC chieftain said that President Bola Tinubu administration would compensate Nigerians for the pains that they were going through.
Kekemeke said the present hardship was occasioned by the necessary reforms to reposition the country and make things better for the citizens.
He said: “There cannot be pleasure without some pains. These are pains that are temporary. No pain, no gain.
“The truth of the matter is that yes, there is temporary pain and temporary hardship in our country and all of us feel it.
“However, the more important thing is to look at the future and to begin to look at decisions that have been taken to ensure that Nigeria did not enter into the cleave.
“Nigeria was at the verge of collapse as a nation and what our government has done by the decisions, courageous and bold decisions that have been taken, is to ensure that that did not happen.
“It’s a matter of time and we are hoping that as soon as Nigerians will be compensated for this pain and that they will be rewarded for the pain that they had to go through.”
He said that Nigerians should be thankful as Tinubu had shown courage of a leader in taking decisions that were avoided in the last 40 years.
“We all knew that these decisions had to be taken if we must survive as a nation but the previous leaders refused to take them.”
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has washed off its hands from the mirage of crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governing party said the PDP is the sole author of the intractable crisis that bedevils it.
APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Friday berated the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed for alleging that the crisis in the opposition party was a creation of the APC.
The Bauchi State governor while hosting Board of Trustees of PDP in Government House, Bauchi, on Wednesday, September 18, reportedly alleged that the crisis in the PDP was a creation of the APC.
But in a reaction, the APC stated that “the PDP has been and remains a cesspool of sleaze, crisis and dysfunction. And that has got nothing to do with APC. Crisis is endemic to the PDP and dysfunction is deeply engraved in its institutional DNA.
“The PDP is the sole author of the intractable crisis that bedevils it. A party so grossly inept and incapable of governing its own internal affairs cannot possibly be trusted with the important task of governing Africa’s most populous country.”
Faulting the PDP chieftain, APC spokesman noted that “Governor Mohammed is either a poor student of his party’s history or he is choosing, mischievously, to turn that history on its head.
“If not crisis, what else do we call the track record of leadership imbroglio some of which predates the formation of APC? How else do we describe the chaotic rise and fall of the Party’s National Chairmen in the likes of, Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbeh, Vincent Ogbulafor, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Bamanga Tukur, Ali Modu Sherrif, Ahmed Makarfi, Uche Secondus and Iyorcha Ayu?
“The latest episode of its crisis was, among other potent factors, a result of the PDP’s failure to adhere to the dictates of its constitution on zoning and power sharing for presidential candidate and national chairmanship positions between the North and South zones. In flagrant disregard of its constitution, the party decided to concentrate both positions in one zone, and digging itself into deeper crisis.”
Dismissing Mohammed’s allegation, Morka maintained that the ruling party is busy doing the job entrusted to it by the Nigerian electorate, insisting that APC “does not have a moment to spare in involvement in PDP’s messy historic internal commotion. The PDP needs no help in that regard. They are masters-class agents of political bedlam.
“Rather than point fingers at our great Party for its endless woes, Governor Mohammed and his partners in crisis should eat the humble pie, and search within for solutions or, better still, save us all the trouble and wind down altogether.”
The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Hashim Abioye, of frustrating moves to resolve nomination infractions of its candidate before the close of the 48-hour ultimatum given.
The OSIEC boss had on Wednesday issued 48 hours ultimatum to APC, Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Action Peoples Party (APP) to rectify nomination infractions in nine councils of the state for the positions of chairman and vice chairman.
Reacting to the development, APC State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement last night, said Abioye was denying the opposition APC a level playing field for the local government election slated for February 22, 2025.
He said: “To meet up with the directives of the chairman, APC had concluded arrangements to ensure delivery of the necessary documents to OSSIEC, but to its surprise, OSSIEC closed at 2:15pm today (September 19).
“Efforts made by APC yielded no result, as there was no one to contact for the purpose of official duties placed on the OSSIEC over the issues. Findings showed that some of the alleged irregularities raised by OSSIEC were caused by the administrative loopholes of the commission, which had not thoroughly done a fact check before rushing to the press.”
“OSSIEC does not even have a public relations officer with whom any political party can relay its worries and complaints in case of any administrative errors, while the chairman does virtually all the administrative jobs.”
Efforts to reach Abioye were fruitless, as his phone rang out of time when he was contacted and he did not respond to the SMS and WhatsApp messages sent to his phone at press time.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concern over Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to remove billboards featuring President Bola Tinubu from the state.
The billboards were said to have been placed across all 21 local government areas by Sir Paul Chukwuma, a prominent contender in the 2025 governorship race.
He stated that when he contacted the Managing Director of the Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency, he was informed that the directive to remove the billboards was beyond his power.
Ibezim also stated that the campaign office has notified APC leaders in the Southeast, including Imo State Governor Chief Hope Uzodinma, about the situation.
Ibezim added that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing. He criticized the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) government for focusing on this issue rather than addressing the pressing security concerns in the state, such as killings and kidnappings.
He said instead of the government of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, to tackle the multiple insecurity situations of killings, kidnappings etc, the government was busy chasing shadows
He noted that APC, under Sir Paul Chukwuma, was poised to tackle insecurity in Anambra through his 3- 3-point mantra of human development, massive infrastructure, and insecurity
Ibezim, further said that Chukwuma had re-energized APC in the state by giving them a brand new head office in Awka, offices in the 21 Council areas, and 326 Wards in the state
“He’s giving the party a new lease of life to tell the people that a new Anambra is possible.
We have embarked on a membership drive also.
“The new drive has made many stakeholders of the Labour Party LP, APGA, PDP, and some other parties join the national party in Anambra state. Once the ticket is secured, the ruling party in the state will be in trouble
“We’ve created 59 clusters for APC primaries and very soon, we will commence the tour of the Wards and Council areas in the state
“Sir Paul Chukwuma intends to contest the ticket of APC for the 2025 election” Ibezim stated
When contacted by The Nation, the new Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Me, said the government did not remove the President’s billboards, but rather, the campaign billboards of someone
“Are we not aware of the extant laws? There’s the time frame to begin campaigns and that time has not come. My brother, there is time for everything, besides, Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not running for the governorship election in Anambra state.
“For now, that is all I can say about it. When Mr President begins his campaigns, we know what to do.” Me told The Nation.
As the final preparations for the Edo State governorship election get underway, youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the aegis of APC Youth League are confident of the party’s victory on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters at the party’s grand finale rally, its State Coordinator, Comrade Jimoh Muhammed Rafiq, popularly known as Prince Raf, expressed unwavering optimism about the party’s impending victory. He pointed out that the APC has put all mechanisms in place to unseat the incumbent PDP administration in Edo State.
Rafiq declared: “We have worked tirelessly to ensure our great party’s success. Our grassroots mobilization efforts have covered all 18 local government areas, engaging youths, women, and community leaders. The momentum is on our side.”
He emphasized that Governor Godwin Obaseki and his candidate would lose and wouldn’t be heard again, citing the party’s strong presence and popularity in the state.
He urged all APC supporters to remain dedicated and continue to work round the clock towards a resounding victory.
The coordinator said with the party’s focus on empowering youths through job creation, education, and infrastructural development, the APC will emerge victorious and take over Edo Government House.
He said: “As the election gradually approaches, the people of Edo State will decide their next leader on Saturday and based on the responses we have gotten so far from the people, we are very sure of victory because the people are tired of Obaseki’s ineptitude and poor performance.”
Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to implement policies aimed at regulating the prices of essential goods and services nationwide.
Mumuni emphasised that such measures are crucial to curb the continuous rise in prices across the country.
In a statement released by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, and shared with journalists on Tuesday, the APC chieftain stressed the need for the federal government to take concrete steps to prevent further inflation.
Mumuni also urged the federal government to encourage the production of goods that are typically imported.
He added that this will help mitigate inflation.
Mumuni tasked the federal government to provide support for sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
“Mitigating inflation following the devaluation of the naira is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some strategies the Nigerian government can adopt to address inflation and stabilize the economy:
“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could consider adjusting interest rates to control the money supply. Increasing interest rates can help curb inflation by making borrowing more expensive and encouraging savings.
“The CBN can conduct open market operations to buy or sell government bonds, thereby influencing liquidity and interest rates in the economy.
“The government can invest in and incentives local industries to increase domestic production, which can reduce reliance on imports and help stabilize prices. This may involve providing subsidies, tax breaks, or access to financing for local businesses.
“Investing in infrastructure, such as transportation and power supply, can lower production and distribution costs for businesses, helping to bring prices down. Encouraging the production of goods that are typically imported can help mitigate inflation. This could include providing support for sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
“Enhancing agricultural productivity through research, subsidies for farmers, and improved access to markets can help stabilize food prices, which are a major component of inflation.
“In some cases, the government may consider temporary price controls on essential goods to prevent excessive price hikes. However, this should be done cautiously to avoid market distortions and shortages.
“Implementing a regulatory framework to monitor and regulate the prices of essential goods and services to protect consumers from sudden price spikes. Intervening in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the naira by leveraging foreign reserves can help manage inflation expectations and reduce volatility.
“Establishing trade agreements that facilitate easier access to goods can help mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on prices.
“The government should focus on controlling public expenditure and ensuring that spending is targeted at productivity-enhancing projects rather than populist spending that could ignite inflation.
“Adjusting tax policies to ensure that essential goods remain affordable can help mitigate the impact of inflation on low-income households. Providing clear and transparent communication about economic policies and inflation management efforts can help manage public expectations and confidence.
“Promoting financial education can help consumers make informed decisions and adapt to changing economic conditions.
“Collaborating with businesses to understand their challenges and ensuring that they have the support needed to maintain stable prices. Engaging with organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Bank for technical assistance and guidance on best practices in monetary and fiscal policies.
“A comprehensive approach combining monetary policy adjustments, supply-side interventions, strategic price controls, and prudent fiscal policies is essential for the Nigerian government to effectively mitigate.”
