The September 21st Edo State governorship election was supposed to be a display of democracy in action. Instead, it has become a lightning rod for controversy and accusations of corruption. Was this a free and fair election or a brazen example of rigging? Join us as we examine the claims of election fraud, the calls for INEC to take action, and the potential consequences for Nigerian democracy.
Today our Deep Dive is taken from sources reporting on the Edo State governorship election in Nigeria and the widespread accusations of electoral fraud. The election saw the APC candidate declared the winner, while the PDP and LP candidates have alleged that the election was rigged, citing vote-buying, manipulation of results, and intimidation of voters. The sources detail the reactions of political parties and civil society organisations, including calls for investigations and legal challenges.
Sources: Edo State Governorship Election 2024 – Contested Outcome
Source 1: CSOs: Edo Guber Results Altered, Lack Legitimacy, PDP Heads to Court – THISDAYLIVE (October 4th, 2024)
- Allegations of Election Rigging: This section details accusations from the PDP and various CSOs claiming the Edo State governorship election results were altered in favor of the APC candidate. It includes statements from the PDP National Chairman, Asue Ighodalo (PDP candidate), and reports from Yiaga Africa and CDD-West Africa, all alleging vote buying, result manipulation, and other electoral malpractices.
- PDP’s Response and Next Steps: This section outlines the PDP’s rejection of the election results and their intention to challenge the outcome in court. It highlights statements from PDP officials emphasizing their commitment to reclaiming the mandate through legal means.
- Labour Party’s Perspective: This section presents the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata’s, statement on the election. He condemns the widespread vote buying and criticizes both the APC and PDP for engaging in transactional politics. He expresses concern over the lack of integrity in the electoral process.
Source 2: Edo Election: Ighodalo turns down Okpebholo’s friendship offer, to seek redress in court – Daily Post Nigeria
- Ighodalo’s Rejection of Friendship Offer: This short article focuses on the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo’s, refusal to accept a friendship offer from the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, citing his intent to challenge the election results in court.
Source 3: Edo poll: PDP alleges rigging as APC Okpebholo wins
- Election Results and Initial Reactions: This section announces the victory of APC’s Okpebholo and provides the breakdown of votes. It also presents immediate reactions from the PDP Governors Forum, who call for INEC to ensure the results reflect the will of the people.
- PDP’s Evidence of Rigging: This section details specific allegations of result manipulation by the PDP, focusing on discrepancies between INEC’s official results and those uploaded on the IREV portal. It highlights a letter sent to the INEC Chairman demanding a recount.
- Post-Election Atmosphere: This section briefly describes the public’s reaction to the election results, including protests by PDP supporters and a statement from Okpebholo promising good governance.
Source 4: Live Updates: Edo Governorship Election 2024 – THISDAYLIVE
- Pre-Election Day (September 20th, 2024): This section sets the stage for the election, presenting the key contenders, the number of registered voters, and statements from stakeholders like President Tinubu calling for a peaceful election. It also highlights the police order for movement restriction and the DHQ’s assurance of security.
- Election Day (September 21st, 2024): This section delivers live updates on the election proceedings, including reports of early morning activities, voter turnout, security presence, and statements from the candidates after casting their votes. It also covers allegations of vote buying, INEC’s promise to investigate irregularities, and arrests made by the police and EFCC.
- Post-Election Day (September 22nd, 2024): This section announces the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner by INEC and provides a breakdown of results by Local Government Areas. It also includes a recount of events involving Governor Obaseki being escorted out of the INEC office.
Source 5: Nigeria: PDP, LP Reject Edo Election Results – allAfrica.com
- PDP’s Rejection of Results: This section reiterates the PDP’s stance on the election, alleging rigging and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. It includes statements from the acting National Chairman, emphasizing their plan to challenge the outcome in court.
- Peter Obi’s Condemnation: This section highlights Labour Party leader Peter Obi’s condemnation of the Edo election, describing it as a mockery of democracy and a setback for Nigeria.
- Akpata’s Disappointment: This section focuses on Olumide Akpata’s (LP candidate) characterization of the election as a “transaction” due to rampant vote buying. He expresses his disappointment and reveals his consideration of challenging the result in court.
Source 6: PDP Rejects Edo Governorship Election Results, Claims Victory for Ighodalo
- Post-Election Discourse and Analysis: This section discusses the reactions and analyses following the Edo election, focusing on the PDP’s rejection of the results and their intention to challenge the outcome.
- Olumide Akpata’s Statement: This section highlights key points from Akpata’s press release, where he condemns the transactional nature of the election, criticizes the PDP for their involvement in vote buying, and expresses disappointment in Labour Party members who participated in the malpractice.
- Concerns about Future Elections: This section raises concerns about the implications of the Edo election for future elections in Nigeria, particularly the upcoming Ondo and Anambra elections, and the general state of electoral integrity in the country.