CSO Commends Voters for Their Peaceful Conduct

The Civil Society Organization (CSO), which has been monitoring the ongoing election in Edo State through the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) along with other observers at various Polling Units (PUs), commended voters for their peaceful conduct throughout the process and urged them to maintain this demeanor.

At a press conference organized by the CSO, Mr. Yunusa Z. Ya’u, the convener of the Situation Room, and co-conveners Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju, stated that observers reported that poll officials arrived on time at 50% of the PUs and commenced operations at the scheduled time of 8:30 am. In some locations, however, materials did not arrive until 9:00 am.

Further speaking at the press conference, Yunusa noted that party agents were present in most PUs, with distribution observed as follows: APC 41%, Labour Party 13%, PDP 25%, PRP 5%, and other parties less than 20%.

Yunusa further stated that incidents of vote-buying and the spread of fake news contributed to confusion among voters, heightening tension at several PUs during the voting process.

It is important to note that the CSO has been actively working to support credible elections and good governance in Nigeria, with over 70 branches nationwide.

INEC Update on Edo State Governorship Election

Following the conclusion of voting, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, where Polling Unit results were promptly uploaded. Results have been collated from all 192 Wards, and most Local Government Areas have also completed collation. The designated officials are either already at the collation center in Benin City or on their way, as State-level collation is set to commence.

However, INEC received a disturbing report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner regarding a threat to the office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area, which led to a stampede and injury to one official. INEC has emphasized that no disruptions will be tolerated and that any necessary reviews will be conducted per the Electoral Act 2022.

Observers, accredited party agents, and the media are urged to have unimpeded access to all collation centers. INEC has called on security agencies to maintain vigilance and professionalism as the collation process concludes.

For more information on the ongoing collation and other electoral updates, you can visit the INEC official website.

Story by Clementina Olomu.

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