PDP Governorship Aspirant, Asue Ighodalo Protests at Edo INEC Headquarters

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin City, Edo State. The protest comes amid rising tensions leading up to the 2024 gubernatorial election. Ighodalo, a prominent lawyer and business leader, alleged that the electoral process is being undermined by INEC in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.

The PDP candidate, flanked by key party officials and supporters, demanded immediate intervention from INEC to address irregularities. Asue Ighodalo’s accusations centered on claims that certain actions taken by the electoral body were intentionally designed to favor his political opponents. This protest signals a critical juncture in the election process, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.

Asue Ighodalo: Allegations of INEC-PD Complicity

Asue Ighodalo’s protest at the INEC office highlighted his belief that there is collusion between INEC officials and the Nigerian Police. According to the PDP flag-bearer, there is clear evidence suggesting the involvement of these institutions in manipulating the electoral process to the disadvantage of opposition parties. He cited instances of alleged voter suppression, tampering with voter registers, and intimidation of PDP supporters across key local government areas in the state.

In his address, Asue Ighodalo expressed grave concerns that if left unchecked, this collusion could derail the democratic process in Edo State. He called on both local and international observers to closely monitor the activities of INEC and the police in the run-up to the election. The protest has thrown the state into political uncertainty, with both the electoral body and the police yet to issue a formal response.

Supporters of Asue Ighodalo Demand Accountability and Transparency

Supporters of Asue Ighodalo, including PDP chieftains and local grassroots members, took to the streets to accompany their candidate during the protest. The group carried placards with slogans demanding transparency in the election process, urging INEC to fulfill its mandate of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. The protesters, visibly angered, chanted anti-corruption songs, insisting that Edo people deserve a government that is elected through a legitimate and transparent process.

The protest, though peaceful, demonstrated the increasing frustration among opposition members regarding the handling of electoral preparations in Edo State. Ighodalo emphasized the need for INEC to operate independently, without undue influence from the ruling party or other stakeholders, in order to protect the sanctity of democracy.

INEC Officials and Police Deny Wrongdoing

In response to Asue Ighodalo’s protest, INEC and the police have denied any involvement in the alleged complicity. INEC representatives reiterated that the commission remains committed to conducting a transparent election, ensuring that all necessary protocols and regulations are followed. The police, on the other hand, refuted claims of intimidation, asserting that their role is solely to maintain law and order during the election period.

INEC’s Public Relations Officer in Edo State assured the public that all claims would be investigated and addressed accordingly. However, the electoral body and the police are now under intense scrutiny as political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and voters wait to see how the allegations will be handled in the coming days.

PDP Calls for Immediate Electoral Reforms

As part of the protest, the PDP called for immediate electoral reforms, insisting that the current system is rife with loopholes that could lead to electoral fraud. Asue Ighodalo and other PDP leaders urged INEC to introduce more stringent measures to guarantee the integrity of the forthcoming election. They highlighted the importance of technological innovations, such as the biometric voter registration system, to curb incidents of vote manipulation.

Asue Ighodalo also called on the federal government to ensure that security agencies, particularly the police, refrain from taking sides in the political contest. According to him, neutrality from the police is critical in avoiding any post-election violence and ensuring a peaceful transition of power in the state.

Political Tension Mounts as Election Approaches

The protest at INEC headquarters underscores the high stakes of the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, with political tension mounting across the state. Both major political parties, the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have intensified their campaigns, and accusations of misconduct have become a recurring theme. The growing distrust between opposition parties and electoral authorities raises concerns about potential electoral violence or legal disputes post-election.

As the election day draws near, Edo State is bracing for what may be one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial elections in recent history. The outcome of the protest and how INEC addresses the issues raised will play a significant role in shaping the direction of the election and the future of the state’s political landscape.