By Milcah Tanimu
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), representing a coalition of 51 observer organizations accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has affirmed that the Edo Governorship Election 2024 was free, fair, and credible. During a press conference in Benin City, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu and Mr. Osaretin Omoh presented their findings and praised INEC for adhering to most electoral standards.
The coalition monitored the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Benin City to INEC’s local government offices and then to 4,518 polling units. Voting began between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM in most areas, though some delays occurred due to heavy rainfall and logistical challenges, such as the lack of police escorts for electoral materials in certain centers.
The observers reported several incidents of vote-buying, which they described as more sophisticated compared to previous elections. They also criticized military personnel for blocking access to accredited observers despite their proper identification.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State raised a significant concern by prematurely declaring the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate as the winner before INEC’s official announcement. The CCLCA stated that this act violated the 1999 Constitution and urged authorities to hold Fintiri accountable.
Despite these challenges, the coalition highlighted that the election proceeded peacefully, with no reported loss of life. Voter turnout was relatively low at 22%, primarily due to adverse weather conditions. The observers commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Police and INEC’s efforts to ensure a transparent and credible process.
The CCLCA called for investigations into logistical issues and recommended legal action against those undermining the democratic process. They also praised the people of Edo State for maintaining peace and order during the election.
