Leading election monitoring group Yiaga Africa has raised the alarm over alleged disruptions in the collection of results for Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha local government areas.
The group claimed that observers and INEC officials were gassed.
In a statement on his X page early Sunday morning, Yiaga Africa said:
“Reports from observers at the LGA data collection centre indicate that there have been disruptions in the data collection process from Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha. Observers and INEC officials are being attacked with tear gas in Ikpoba/Okha.”
Yiaga Africa stressed that the collection of LGA results at the state headquarters violates the established procedure for the collection of results.
They urged INEC to stand firm in the face of intimidation and interference.
“We wish to emphasise that the compilation of results from the Local Assemblies at the State Headquarters violates the established procedure for the compilation of results. We urge @inecnigeria to stand firm against intimidation and interference. The electoral law allows for accredited observers, media and party agents to monitor the compilation of results at all levels. Failure to address these issues risks undermining the legitimacy of what has been a peaceful process since its inception.”
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Bad electoral practices
Earlier, Yiaga Africa reported on incidents of vote-buying and disruption of polling stations during Saturday's gubernatorial election.
Agents of the organisation observed vote buying in several local government areas including Ikpoba/Okha, Igueben, Esan West, Akoko Edo, Owan West and Uhunmode.
In Igueben, APC and PDP party operatives were reportedly seen bribing voters with N10,00 cash at Igueben-Idumoka Primary School polling station.
Similar incidents were recorded in Ikpoba/Okha where party agents handed out N10,000 cash to voters at the Enikaro-Enikaro Primary School polling unit.
Yiaga also reported disruptions at polling stations in Ikpoba/Okha and Akoko Edo due to lack of official stamps by INEC officials and alleged bribery.
At Ebua Market Square in Uhunwode Local Area, an altercation between APC and PDP supporters over alleged bribery led to the suspension of voting and the destruction of the voting booth.
The Edo State governorship election has 17 candidates on the ballot including Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), Asue Ighodalo (PDP) and Monday Okpebholo (APC).
With 2,629,025 registered voters, the outcome of this election will determine who will replace Obaseki when his term expires in November.