Saturday, September 21, 2024
Today is the long-anticipated Edo State gubernatorial election, with 17 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party candidate, all vying for the Osadebey House – the seat of government in Benin City – the state’s capital.
The winner of the election, expected to be declared in less than 72 hours from the close of the election at 17.00hrs Nigeria Time, will replace outgoing Gov. Godwin Obaseki of the PDP, and preside over the affairs of the great people of Edo State, in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria for the next four years.
The race is mostly seen as a three-horse race between Senator Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mr. Asue Ighodalo, and the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata.
Other participating parties include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
JolibaLive News! will provide as usual summaries of important real-time updates as events unfold.
What We Know So Far
11: 00 AM
Former governor and APC party boss, Adams Oshiomhole, spotted voting in his Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, at Iyamu Primary School in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, getting ready to vote.#EdoDecides#EdoGuberElection#Edo2024 pic.twitter.com/ZNw5ICF92F
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 21, 2024
Suspected Vote-Buyer Arrested
At approximately 10:30 a.m., the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended three suspected vote-buyers, including two males and one female, in the Egor Local Government Area. The EFCC, which has deployed operatives to monitor the election, reiterated its commitment to preventing financial crimes that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Despite the arrests, some residents protested, claiming that the individuals were being unfairly targeted. The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, reiterated that vote-buying is a financial crime and assured the public that the agency will ensure voters can cast their ballots free from financial inducements.
10:00 AM
Asue Ighodalo Raises Alarm
PDP gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has raised concerns over security threats during the election, particularly after one of his supporters was allegedly arrested by armed men in mufti at Ward 8, Unit 3 in Uromi. Ighodalo expressed his worries about the intimidation of his supporters and the presence of guns at polling units, which is against the law.
“There should be no guns at polling units, but you see people behaving indiscriminately, trying to oppress and intimidate our supporters,” he stated.
With tensions rising, voters and political stakeholders are urging the authorities to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.
Video: Ighodalo faults INEC officials late arrival, seeks for extension of time pic.twitter.com/qcTV3jjwTc
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) September 21, 2024
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Angry Voters React To Delay in Voting
Some voters expressed frustration In Ward 1, Unit 3, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is expected to cast his vote, frustration is rising over delays in accreditation and voting processes from officials of INEC.
“We have been here since 7 o’clock, yet no sight of INEC officials. This is almost 10, and nothing is happening. We no gree” one said.
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09:30 AM
Reports of early morning rain in several parts of Edo State delayed the arrival of INEC officials at some polling stations, but voting has since commenced. INEC has assured voters that all necessary equipment is functioning without technical issues.
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09:00 AM
The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, addressed journalists, assuring voters that his party is still in the race and is committed to free and fair elections.
#EdoDecides2024: Olumide Akpata, the candidate of the Labour Party, speaking with journalists after casting his vote pic.twitter.com/WP53wj2Ws5
— Premium Times (@PremiumTimesng) September 21, 2024
The voting exercise appears to be mostly peaceful with no major news of violence, however early morning precipitation in some areas could account for delays in the arrival of voting materials by officials of the election umpire, the Independent National Election Commission, INEC.
Security Concerns
Despite attempts by thugs to hijack election materials at the Oredo Local Government office on Thursday, the materials were confirmed to be intact by the assistant electoral officer, N.S. Osakue, who reassured voters of the security in place.
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Arrests
Two political thugs, Edwin Obanor and Audu Tajudeen, were arrested for possessing illegal firearms. The Nigeria Police Force is on high alert, acting on tips to prevent election-related violence.
8:30 AM
Reports from Egware Primary School, Ujiogba Ward II, Esan West LGA, indicate smooth voting, with early arrival of materials and a well-organized process. Elderly voters, including 76-year-old Pa Robert Eguekagbon, expressed satisfaction with the ease and efficiency of voting.
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8:10 AM
The polling exercise has officially commenced at Oredo Girls Secondary School, Awo Street, with four polling units—5, 6, 7, and 8—located at Ward 11 Ogbelaka/Nekpenekpen. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived on time and set up the necessary stations.
Heavy Security in Benin City
Major roads in Benin City are heavily guarded by soldiers, and movement has been restricted. Voters are trekking to polling units, and essential workers are allowed passage after thorough scrutiny.
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Voters Defy The Rains
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Voter Turnout
2.249 million voters have collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) out of 2.63 million registered voters across Edo’s 18 local government areas. There are currently no estimates of the likely voter turnout percentage for the election.
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Election Monitoring
Election observers from Yiaga Africa have flagged potential violence in several LGAs, including Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, and Esan South East. With a history of political tension and thuggery, security forces are on high alert to ensure peaceful conduct.
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Calm in Some Polling Units
In Idinrio community, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area, there is calm but eerie quietness, as INEC officials have yet to arrive at the polling unit. There is no sign of political party stakeholders or accreditation activities, leading to growing frustration among early-arriving voters.
Next Update….
Stay tuned as more reports come in from polling units and as the electoral process progresses throughout the day.
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JolibaLive News! – Bringing you updates from the ground as Edo State decides.
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