Edo Election 2024: INEC Issues Warning Against Disruption of Results Collation Process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political actors regarding any attempts to disrupt the results collation process for the Edo governorship election. Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, expressed these concerns in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

Haruna noted that the Commission was alarmed by reports of threats leading to a stampede at its office in Okpoba Okha Local Government on Saturday, as well as concerning actions by some political figures at the state head office.

Following the completion of voting, INEC activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to upload polling unit results, which have also been collated from all 192 wards. Most local government areas have completed their collations, and officials are either at the collation center in Benin City or en route.

“We are prepared to commence state-level collation,” Haruna stated. “However, we received a troubling report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner about a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha, which caused a stampede resulting in injuries to one of our officials.”

He condemned the overnight demonstrations by political actors and their supporters at the state head office, asserting, “These actions are unacceptable. No one should disrupt the process, and lawlessness will not be tolerated.”

Haruna emphasized that the collation of results will proceed in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations. He reminded stakeholders that there are mechanisms in place for addressing complaints during the collation, including the ability to review results declared under duress.

He also stressed that accredited party agents, observers, and the media must have unrestricted access to all collation centers. Haruna called on security agencies to maintain the vigilance and professionalism that contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election as the process concludes.