‘Security agencies, electoral umpire performed very well during Edo polls’

A group, Coalition of Accredited Election Observers (CAEO), has said the 2024 Edo governorship election, held on September 21, was free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be commended. At a press conference, Friday in Abuja, the National Secretary of CAEO, Ogwilaya Sunny, said voters intimidation, disenfranchisement and other forms […]

A group, Coalition of Accredited Election Observers (CAEO), has said the 2024 Edo governorship election, held on September 21, was free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be commended.

At a press conference, Friday in Abuja, the National Secretary of CAEO, Ogwilaya Sunny, said voters intimidation, disenfranchisement and other forms of aggression were not recorded in areas covered by accredited observers as security personnel were on ground to maintain peace and order.

He said: “You are all aware that the Edo State Governorship election was held on Saturday 21 September, 2024 across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

“As duly accredited election observers by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the Edo State Governorship election, we are here to give account of the on the spot assessment of the Edo Decide 2024:

“The Edo State Governorship Election held on the 21 September, 2024 and commenced at exactly 8.00am prompt except in some few centers where materials arrived late due to logistics challenges.

“The people of Edo State came out in their numbers under the rains to exercise their civic responsibilities without fear, intimidation as envisaged by social media report prior to the Governorship election. 17 political parties participated in the Edo State Governorship election with their polling unit agents.

“Etsakor East Local Government Area witnessed delay in accreditation due to late arrival of materials. We also observed the malfunctioning of BVAS machines in few locations, but were corrected within reasonable time by INEC official to enable voters cast their vote.

“While voting in most of the polling units ended between 2-3pm, extension was given to areas where elections did not start on time.

“Voters intimidation, disenfranchisement and other forms of aggression were not recorded in areas covered by the accredited observers as security personnel were on ground to maintain peace and order.

“There were reports on vote buying by political parties, but it was difficult to ascertain the political party that was involved. However, the peoples will overshadowed this ugly financial inducement and practice by politicians.

“There were few reported cases of ballot snatching, disagreement between political parties but was not substantial enough to affect the election. Collation of results at the units, wards and LGA’s level were peaceful and orderly.

“There was compliance on the use of the BVAS machine and adherence to the upload of declared results at the polling units into the IREV portal across the Eighteen (18) Local Government Area of the state as promised by INEC in line with the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

“It is crystal clear that in any political context, there are winners and there are losers. It is also good for losers to approach the court for redress where necessary than doing self help as it is not easy to have a perfect elections 100% in anywhere in the world.

“INEC as an umpire indeed put in good efforts but should do more in future elections especially in the area of quick deployment of voting materials to the polling units.

“The security personnel’s have demonstrated high level of professionalism in providing conducive atmosphere for the Edo Decide 2024 Governorship election.”