Edo electorate storm Abuja over gov’ship election controversy, demand INEC return of ‘stolen mandate’
By KEMI KASUMU
“We are mourning in our dear state because of INEC and the police roles in this election,” he said, adding that, “Edo people demand that their mandate be returned, and justice be served.”
Residents of Edo State, who are aggrieved that the outcome of September 21, 2024 governorship election announced by the electoral umpire did not represent their real decision, stormed the headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, on Wednesday October 9.
According to Esanradiotv, which reported from the scene of protest, the residents in their hundreds gathered peacefully outside the INEC headquarters in a show of solidarity with the candidate they said they voted for during the poling exercise, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who contested on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The DEFENDER reports that they were protesting against what they described as the theft of their democratic mandate during the election.
Outcome of the election had sparked controversy with claims that the results announced by INEC did not reflect the true results collated from polling units, ward to the Local Government level as they clearly did not tally with what was observed by voters and party agents.
Chanting slogans such as “On Asue Ighodalo Mandate We Shall Stand!”, the demonstrators demanded that INEC revisit the results and ensure that the will of the people prevails.
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP governorship candidate, has continued to enjoy widespread support across Edo State because the people especially his supporters believe that the official results announced do not represent the true outcome of the election.
INEC officials, in response to the demonstrators’ demands, assured them that the Commission would take a closer look at the results announced and address the concerns raised by the Edo electorate.
The assurance was given as protesters urged the electoral umpire to act swiftly and decisively.
In his address, Sir Clem Aziegbemi, a spokesperson for the demonstrators, reminded INEC of its constitutional responsibility to remain impartial and uphold the democratic process.
“We are mourning in our dear state because of INEC and the police roles in this election,” he said, adding that, “Edo people demand that their mandate be returned, and justice be served.”
The peaceful protest drew attention to the growing discontent in Edo State, as citizens continue to call for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
