The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of the statewide collation of results of the Edo State Governorship Election that took place in the state on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The commission in a statement issued on Sunday said that they are on course for the final collation and subsequent announcement.
“Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest.” The statement reads.
“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.” It added.
A situation report of a stampede in some parts of the state was also announced in the release which came with threats and injuries incurred by some electoral officers.
“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.”
The release by the commission was also condemned demonstration by some political actors who are believed to be aggrieved by the impending outcome of the election.
“We are similarly disturbed 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.” It read.
Above all, the commission also ensured citizens that the collation will be on as planned and as provided by the electoral act 2022.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of results 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.” It added.
