Dr Bright Enabulele, the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in last Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial election, has rejected the election results, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of compromising the electoral process.
Describing the election as “the most corrupt in Nigeria’s history,” Enabulele claimed that the results were manipulated, citing his personal experience at Ward 5, St. Saviour Ivbiyeneva Primary School Unit 1 in the Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area. He stated that despite voting on live television, the official results showed that he received zero votes from the polling unit.
This alleged discrepancy led Enabulele to question the integrity of the entire election process. He emphasized that if a candidate’s vote is not accurately counted, it undermines the legitimacy of the electoral process. He called for the adoption of a more transparent electoral system, suggesting the use of blockchain technology to eliminate human interference.
Enabulele also criticized the failure to fully implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the election, which he believes further compromised the election’s credibility.
In a video addressed to his supporters, Enabulele expressed his disbelief over the conduct of the election, saying, “What we witnessed on Saturday was unbelievable in the 21st century. Despite the overwhelming support from voters, the results recorded were not a true reflection of the will of the people. Even in my polling unit, only two votes were recorded.”
He further alleged widespread voter suppression, vote-buying, and inconsistencies across various polling units, including those in rural areas like Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, and Oredo Local Government Areas. “Many people were prevented from voting, and many votes were voided. This is not how credible elections should be conducted,” he stated.
Enabulele asserted that the election was inconclusive and demanded that a re-run be conducted to ensure a free and fair process. “I urge INEC to take immediate action. This election should be rescheduled, as it violates our fundamental human rights and the principles of democracy.”
He insisted that his votes were not counted despite submitting his ballot correctly and noted that the BVAS, which was supposed to capture results electronically, failed to function as intended. “INEC should declare this election inconclusive and void the current results. We need an electoral system free from human interference,” Enabulele concluded
