Trouble Looms at INEC As APC Protesters Demand Removal of Obaseki from INEC Office

Tension is mounting at the Independent National Electoral Commission, NEC, as some members of the All-Progressives Congress led by Senator Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Dennis Idahosa, led protesters to demand the exit of Governor Godwin Obaseki from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at about 3.30am on Sunday.

The director general of the Asue/Ogie governorship campaign council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen had about an hour earlier led a protest of members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to INEC office over alleged plan to rig the election.

The governor was said to have gained entrance into the premises of INEC on Aduwawa Road, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City under the cover of the night and headed straight upstairs, sitting close to the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) where the results were being collated before they would be announced.

Idahosa, who was hollering from outside the gate, demanded, alongside others, for the removal of the governor saying that he had no business being there.

He said, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”

The protesters, at intervals, tried to force themselves into the premises of INEC but they were prevented from entering even when they repeatedly banged on the gate.

At some point during the drama, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG) in charge of the election, Frank Mba, came into the premises with his team and headed straight to where Obaseki was sitting.