Following the successful conclusion of voting in the Edo State Governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the collation of results. The commission announced that it had activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, where polling unit results have been uploaded. Additionally, results from all 192 wards have been collated, with collation in most Local Government Areas also concluded.
According to INEC, designated officials have either arrived at or are on their way to the collation center in Benin City to commence the state-level collation of results.
Incident at Okpoba Okha LGA
While the collation process has largely been smooth, INEC reported a troubling incident at its office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area. The Resident Electoral Commissioner confirmed a threat to the office on election day, which resulted in a stampede that left one official injured.
In addition to this, INEC expressed concern over demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at the State Head Office in Benin City, ahead of the final collation. The commission strongly condemned these actions, stating that no disruption of the process would be tolerated and no one would be allowed to benefit from such lawlessness.
Adherence to the Electoral Act
INEC reiterated that the collation process will follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the commission’s guidelines. The body emphasized that there are established procedures to address complaints during collation, including the power to review any results declared under duress.
The commission assured that it would invoke these powers where necessary to ensure the integrity of the election results.
Call for Security and Transparency
INEC called on security agencies to maintain their vigilance and professionalism, which had contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election thus far. The commission also urged that accredited party agents, observers, and media representatives be granted unhindered access to all collation centers.
As INEC prepares to conclude the collation process, all eyes remain on Benin City, where the final results of the Edo State Governorship election are set to be announced.
