By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been charged to remain neutral in the governorship election in Edo State, which took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Collation of results has started but the electoral umpire has yet to announce a winner of the exercise amid allegations of over-voting and other electoral malpractices,
In a statement on Sunday, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) stressed that INEC must ensure the sanctity of the electoral process in the exercise.
The group said the commission must safeguard the trust of Nigerians by prioritising the integrity of the process, warning against manipulation or undermining democracy in the state.
“As Edo State citizens have exercised their right to vote, it is crucial that INEC remains impartial and transparent during the collation of results,” a part of the statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema, said.
“INEC must not allow itself to be used to scuttle democracy in Edo State under any circumstances,” the organisation noted in the statement.
It expressed concerns over “the feelers we are getting from Edo State,” saying they “confirm a deliberate ploy by one of the big parties who are mouthing the support of Mr President and insisting on changing the results and the figures already on the INEC Portal. Mr President must call them to order.”
With the Ondo State governorship election on the way, the CNPP stressed the importance of INEC demonstrating its commitment to conducting credible elections to restore confidence in the electoral process after the questionable 2023 general elections.
“We call on all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and security agencies, to prioritize peace and decorum during the collation process,” the CNPP said.
“Let us work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders,” it added.
The CNPP’s call to action comes as Nigerians watch closely to see if INEC will deliver on its promise of free, fair, and credible elections.
Business Post reports that the two leading candidates in the poll are Mr Asue Ighodalo of the state’s ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
