A tense situation unfolded as Governor Godwin Obaseki was compelled to leave the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin, escorted by DIG Frank Mba......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In a dramatic turn of events, Governor Godwin Obaseki was escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Benin by DIG Frank Mba at around 4:10 am on Sunday. The governor had entered the premises unannounced at about 2 am, allegedly to protest some anomalies in the collation of results from some local government areas, including his own Oredo.
Despite being informed by INEC officials that he was not supposed to be there, just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was sent back earlier, Obaseki reportedly insisted on staying. At approximately 3 am, a combined team of policemen led by DIG Frank Mba and soldiers entered the premises. By 4:10 am, the governor was escorted out by security personnel who shouted, “Leave, leave.”
Before Obaseki was led outside by Mba and a contingent of policemen, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists, stating that the governor had no reason to be on the premises and describing his actions as an abuse of office.
Earlier, members of the APC led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, staged a protest demanding Governor Obaseki’s exit from the INEC premises at around 3:30 am. Idahosa, shouting from outside the gate, demanded the removal of the governor, stating that he had no business being there and that the Nigeria Police should not compromise.
The protesters repeatedly tried to gain entrance into the INEC premises but were prevented from entering, despite repeatedly banging on the gate. The incident has added to the drama and tension surrounding the Edo State gubernatorial election, as the collation of results continues.