From Moshood Karim
In the early hours of Sunday, the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, lodged a formal protest against the gubernatorial election results, alleging that the process was skewed in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
According to Iduoriyekemwen, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is prepared to challenge the outcome in court, claiming that the election results do not reflect the will of the people.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has so far uploaded 90.33% of the polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal. Early results indicate that a majority of polling units have been won by APC’s Okpebholo, prompting concerns from the opposition.
A group of about 20 protesters, led by Iduoriyekemwen, stormed the entrance of the INEC office, where journalists and party agents had gathered for the official announcement. Speaking to the crowd, Iduoriyekemwen claimed the PDP was on track for victory before receiving information about alleged plans to tamper with the final results.
“We will not accept this. We will contest it,” Iduoriyekemwen declared around 2:27 am, accusing APC leader Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of involvement in fraudulent activities, including the alleged thumb printing of ballots to close the vote gap.
The protest was eventually dispersed by police, who cleared the demonstrators from the premises.
In a related development, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has become the subject of controversy after a viral video showed him mocking Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki while celebrating the election results in favour of APC.
Shaibu’s actions have raised eyebrows, especially in light of the close ties he previously shared with Governor Obaseki.
As tensions escalate, all eyes remain on INEC’s final announcement and the potential legal battle ahead.
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