Edo Election: 51 Accredited Observer groups give INEC pass mark, call for prosecution of Adamawa Governor

By Nnamdi Okosieme

The conduct of the September 21, 2023 Edo State Governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), has received commendation from a coalition of 51 accredited observer organizations, which monitored the election.

The election was won by Senator Monday Okphebolo of the All Progressives Congress with Mr. Asue Ighodalo and Mr. Olumide Akpata of the Peoples Democrstic Party(PDP) and Labour Party(LP)finishing second and third.

In the aftermath of the election, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness(CCLCA), a coalition of 51 election observer groups, says the election was transparent free and fair.

The CCCLA’s position was articulated via a press statement issued after a press conference and jointly signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, its Convener, and Osaretin Omoh, Secretary.

The statement noted that the
distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Benin City to the Local Government offices of INEC and the subsequent distribution to various Registration Area Centres (RAC) was executed under tight security.

It said it observed that the election materials were ultimately moved to the 4,518 polling units by INEC ad hoc staff, predominantly National Youth Service Corps members.

According to CCLCA, voting commenced between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM in most observed polling units. It said the delay in some areas was due primarily to heavy rainfall, with a few instances of logistical challenges noted.

“In certain RAC centres, electoral materials and staff were prepared for movement but lacked police escorts. Although these instances were minimal, they warrant attention”‘ the CCLCA said.

The coalition noted that though the election was not without challenges, there were not such as to pose serious threat to the integrity of the election itself:

“Vote buying was observed in some polling units, notably more sophisticated than in previous elections. An incident of concern involved military personnel denying access to accredited observers, despite proper identification.

“We were relieved to report that the election concluded without violence, despite the inflammatory remarks made by some politicians, including the outgoing governor, who referred to the election as a “do or die” affair. The collation of results was conducted meticulously, adhering to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 Amended and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended”, the CCLCA noted.

Action against Governor Fintiri

The CCLCA said despite orderly
conduct of the election by INEC, there were attempts by a few individuals to scuttle the exercise. The coalition specifically cited the action of the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri who called a press conference to release the results of the PDP candidate whilst INEC was still collating the results of the election:

“We are compelled to address a severe violation that occurred post-election. The Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Ahmadu Fintiri, held a press conference declaring the candidate of his party as the winner of the Edo State governorship election. This action blatantly contravenes Sections 178 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and undermines the authority of INEC. Such behavior is unbecoming of a public office holder and could erode public trust in our democratic processes”, the coalition stated.

It called on government to take appropriate legal action against the Governor.

“We strongly recommend that Mr. Fintiri be held accountable for usurping the powers of INEC, and appropriate legal actions should be taken. He has to be prosecuted in 2027 as the immunity is lifted.

In addition to call for the prosecution of Governor Fintiri post-2007, CCLCA also recommended further investigation into the logistics failures witnessed, including the absence of police escort and delays caused by transport workers in order to ensure that future elections run smoothly.

Acknowledging the low turn out of voters, which it put at 22% and which it noted was due largely to
adverse weather condition, the CCLCA averred that the election was conducted in line with the Electoral Act, 2022, and the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“We as 51 INEC Accredited observer organizations hereby unequivocally declare that this election was transparent, free, fair, and credible. Importantly, we report no loss of life on election day, which reflects positively on the overall conduct.

“We commend the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police for the professionalism exhibited by officers in the discharge of their duties, as well as INEC for overseeing a credible election. Lastly, we applaud the people of Edo State for their peaceful disposition, demonstrating their unwavering love for peace”, the CCLCA said.