Edo Election Governor Obaseki Escorted Out of INEC Office Amid Results Collation

The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, was escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises early Sunday morning during the ongoing collation of results from Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Reports indicate that Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Frank Mbah, facilitated Obaseki’s exit around 4:10 a.m., following protests from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Obaseki reportedly arrived unannounced at the INEC office in Benin around 2 a.m., allegedly to protest perceived irregularities in the collation of results from several local government areas, including his constituency, Oredo.

INEC officials had informed the governor that he was not permitted to be at the collation centre. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had been sent back earlier after trying to enter the premises.

Despite being asked to leave, Obaseki insisted on staying. By 3 a.m., a joint security team led by DIG Frank Mbah arrived at the scene, and by 4:10 a.m., the governor was escorted out of the INEC premises.

Security personnel were reportedly heard shouting, “Leave, leave,” as they directed Obaseki to exit.

Shortly before the governor’s removal, the National Secretary of the APC, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists, criticising Obaseki’s presence at the collation centre.

“He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here,” Basiru stated, calling the governor’s actions an abuse of office.

Meanwhile, APC members, led by Honourable Dennis Idahosa, the running mate of their candidate Monday Okpebholo, had staged a protest outside the INEC office, demanding Obaseki’s removal.

Idahosa, speaking forcefully through the gate, insisted the governor had no business being there, stating, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”

Tensions escalated as protesters repeatedly attempted to force their way into the premises, banging on the gate, but were prevented by security personnel.

As the collation of results continues, INEC’s Result Viewing Portal shows that 98.23% of results from polling units have been uploaded.

The race remains tight, with the APC and PDP candidates locked in close competition for the governorship.