Early results from polling units indicate that the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, and his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Senator Monday Okpebholo, are locked in a tight race in the Edo State governorship election.

The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, is poised to emerge as the second runner-up in the election, which has turned out to be largely peaceful after weeks of toxic campaigns and threats of violence by political actors.

As of the time of filing this report this morning (12:02), results from 4,402 polling units representing 97.41 percent had been uploaded onto the Result Viewing Portal (IReV) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). There are 4,519 polling units in the state.

Some results uploaded on the IREV portal showed that PDP and APC are going head-to-head at the polls.

In Ologbo, Ikara Hall polling unit in Ikopba/Orha LGA, APC got 288 votes against PDP’s 29 votes and Labour Party’s 29.

In Near Market Square polling unit, Ivbimion local government, APC scored 87, PDP 76 and Labour Party, got nil.

In Imovie Town Square, Otuo, APC got 144, PDP 152 and Labour 3. In One, Old RCM, APC got 64, PDP 30 while Labour got 1 vote.

In Ovoegbe Pry School, Itsukwi, APC got 95, PDP received 54, while Labour Party got nil.

In Irhue, Osaro Pry School, APC got 87, PDP 86 and Labour 21. Jamagie, Ogondi Pry School, APC got 11, PDP received 46, Labour got 6.

Meanwhile, the APC and PDP have accused each other of plots to alter the results of the election just as they both claimed victory.

The APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement, said they are comfortably in an early lead, adding that as a responsible party, it will not attempt to preempt INEC’s conclusion of the electoral process and official declaration of final results.

“We urge members of the public to disregard this attempted misrepresentation and await INEC’s final verdict on the election,” the statement reads.

His PDP counterpart, Hon Debo Ologunagba claimed it has authentic results from polling units showing Ighodalo in clear lead.

However, the INEC resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, explained in an interview with Channels Television yesterday that the results of the election are still at the ward level and will travel to the local government level before being sent to the state collation centre.

“I cannot categorically tell you when we will announce the results in the state. As they come, we will announce,” Onuoha stated. “For now, no results yet” from any of the local governments, he said.

The REC warned social media users against announcing “results” of the poll, emphasising the commission’s official stance.

Nevertheless, the election witnessed low voter turnout in Edo South, while there was a commendable to high turnout in Edo North and Edo Central, where the two major contenders, PDP’s Ighodalo and APC’s Okpebholo, hail from.

While voters defied early rains and delays in the arrival of electoral materials to participate in the election, observers—including Yiaga Africa, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and KDI—decried the logistical challenges faced by INEC and instances of vote buying at polling units.

Votes were reportedly bought in Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Egor, and Ovia South West local government areas, with party agents offering cash ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000.

In the Ikpoba Okha local government area, at Ologbosere Primary Ward 7, Unit 37, the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to function, leading to mild protests by voters. INEC officials informed LEADERSHIP that the faulty BVAS was sent to the INEC office located in Ikpoba Hill for replacement.

Following the late arrival of officials and materials for the exercise, INEC extended the voting time to enable more voters to participate.

INEC to probe incorrect polling unit results figures

However, the PDP and other observers raised concerns about irregularities in the result sheets from some polling units, which were signed by INEC officials.

One result sheet from polling unit 009, Osholo Primary School in Etsako East, signed by INEC’s Obozuwa Josephine, indicated that while 213 voters were accredited to vote, 406 votes were recorded for the APC.

In response, INEC stated it would promptly investigate the discrepancies noted in the polling unit result sheets. The commission, via its official X (Twitter) handle @inecnigeria, pledged to address any proven infractions.

“The Commission’s attention has been drawn to allegations of incorrect figures entered into polling unit result sheets in the ongoing Edo State governorship election. This is the second complaint we have received out of the 4,519 polling units used for the election. The Commission will immediately investigate the matter and deal with any proven infractions,” the post reads.

Meanwhile, after voting in Ward 4, Unit 19 at Emokpae Primary School, Oredo local government area, the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements, noting that the PDP candidate will emerge victorious.

Obaseki arrived at his polling unit at 11:50 AM, completed his accreditation, and voted around 11:57 AM. He remarked, “You can see that despite the weather, the turnout and enthusiasm of the electorate are high. The ballot box in my polling unit is full, clearly showing that people have been interested in this election as they have been adequately mobilised.”

He added, “For now, I am glad with what I see, and the election process in my unit has been smooth and efficient. I just hope that the collation process will be the same and also peaceful, and that the results counting will not be disrupted.”

Ighodalo, Okpebholo hail security measures, differ on INEC’s logistics

There was a heavy turnout of voters in the Edo Central senatorial district, where Ighodalo and Okpebholo are from.

PDP’s Ighodalo lamented the late arrival of INEC officials and materials at his voting unit, Ewohimi 1, Idirio-Idirio Primary School, Esan South East, Edo State. The officials arrived at 11 AM, while the candidate eventually voted after noon. He called for a three-hour extension to accommodate every voter and accused the APC of intimidating voters despite the election’s peaceful conduct.

“People have been here for the past two hours; they are determined not to waste the efforts and process. The feedback we are getting is that we are doing well. The opposition party is only trying to subvert the process. They steal voters’ cards and buy votes since they do not have anything to present.

“The President wants to act with integrity, but why are some people undermining his credentials and credibility, not caring about the country? You see people coming out despite the rain.”

On his chances of winning, he asserted he would win by a landslide, stating, “We are satisfied with the support from the three senatorial districts. I don’t know what magic the opposition parties expect to perform to overwhelm the PDP.”

Regarding the security situation, he praised military intervention, noting that they are capable of protecting the populace. According to him, the military stabilised the environment and showed confidence where the police did not.

He urged INEC to extend voting times to make up for delays caused by the wait for electoral materials. He also condemned the arrests of PDP leaders throughout the state, describing them as biased to favour another party.

Meanwhile, APC governorship candidate Okpebholo commended INEC and security operatives for their efficiency and coordination during the election. He stated this after voting at his polling unit 1, Ward 2 in Udomi Primary School, Udomi, Irrua, Esan Central local government area.

Okpebholo was the first governorship candidate to cast his vote, describing the exercise as well-coordinated and commending INEC for its efficiency, particularly as observed in his ward. According to him, security operatives ensured a violence-free exercise at the centre.

On his chances, he said, “Electoral officers and materials are present for voting to commence. I will receive the majority of votes from the over 2.2 million permanent voter cards collected. I will consistently demonstrate my commitment to the welfare and development of the Edo people.”

In Esan South East local government area, election materials left Sacred Heart Girls’ Models Secondary School, Ubiaja, very late. Those heading to riverine areas departed around 10:10 AM, while others left later, delaying the arrival of materials at the units and wards.

Sorting of materials was hindered due to the early morning rain and the limited number of INEC officials at the centre. Accreditation, which was supposed to begin early, could not occur as INEC officials and youth corps members were delayed by the rain, despite the availability of vehicles and security personnel to convey materials to their posts.

Large Voter Turnout in Edo North

Voters in parts of Edo North senatorial district defied early morning rains and turned out in large numbers to participate in the election.

As early as 8 AM, voters in Etsako East, Etsako West, and Etsako Central local government areas flocked to their polling units to cast their votes.

The situation was similar in Auchi town in Etsako West LGA, which serves as the headquarters of Edo North Senatorial District. Security operatives were present in various wards and polling units to monitor the exercise.

A visit by LEADERSHIP Sunday to Units 16, 8, 1, 11, 10 Ogute in Okpella Ward 6, Unit 12, Okpella Ward 8, and Unit 4, Okpella Ward 8, in Etsako East LGA revealed security agents, voters, and INEC officials preparing for the crucial poll as early as 8 AM.

In Iyamho town, the home of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, residents turned out en masse to exercise their franchise. Oshiomhole, who denied allegations that the APC stockpiled money to buy votes in the ongoing election, commended voters in the senatorial district for their large turnout.

After casting his vote at Iyamho, Ward 10, Unit 01, in Etsako West LGA, the former governor stated he had not received reports of violence from anywhere in the state during the election. Noting the peaceful nature of the voting, Oshiomhole remarked, “It is laughable when I hear such allegations. You have been here before I arrived. Did you see anywhere where they are sharing money? People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they want good governance.

“During our campaign, people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something, but because of what I had accomplished while in office.

“All structures I established 12 or 13 years ago are still intact, while those put up by the current administration have been washed away within a year. Our people have seen the difference.

“Some residents tell me that since I left government, they haven’t experienced the genuine presence of government in their communities.”

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, lamented the non-functioning BVAS machines in his voting unit at Azama Primary School, Unit 5, Ward 11, Azama, Etsako West.

Shaibu, who voiced concerns about the faulty BVAS, noted that his unit has the largest number of voters in the area. Addressing journalists, he stated, “We have been in communication with INEC regarding this issue, and they assured us that they are working on a solution.

“Perhaps it is sabotage; I don’t know. Every other area is calm except for this particular unit. This is the polling unit with the highest voter turnout. You can see the crowd now.

“That is why I am here to calm the people. We had to arrange for a canopy for them to sit under. I am optimistic that they will resolve it and extend voting hours. About two thousand voters could be disenfranchised if it remains unresolved.

“I can see the INEC official is working hard. I want to believe that effort is genuine, which is why I don’t want to label it just yet.”

After sorting and counting the votes at Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s polling unit, it was confirmed that the APC won by a significant majority of total votes cast.

In Oshiomhole’s polling unit in Ward 10, Etsako West LGA, the APC received 403 votes, while the PDP and ADC received one vote each. This result gives the APC an edge over the PDP and other parties participating in the election.

Yiaga Africa, KDI Bemoan Logistical Challenges

Yiaga Africa, in its midday situational statement on the election, noted that despite a tense political climate, the Edo State governorship election commenced peacefully with minimal critical incidents.

Dr Aisha Abdullahi, chair of the 2024 Edo Election Mission for Yiaga Africa, observed that logistical challenges caused delays in the commencement of accreditation and voting in several polling units.

“As predicted in Yiaga Africa’s pre-election statement, late openings were attributed to logistical issues and adverse weather conditions, such as rainfall. Voters patiently waited to cast their votes despite these delays. The lack of vehicles to transport ad hoc officials and election materials, along with the absence of security personnel to accompany them, further contributed to the delays.”

Yiaga Africa also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and security agencies for swiftly arresting suspected vote-buyers at polling units in Egor and Oredo LGAs.

“The commission should extend its operations to other LGAs where votes are being traded for ₦10,000 per voter, even in the presence of security personnel. The Nigeria Police is also applauded for arresting and disarming political thugs with firearms on the eve of the election, contributing to a more secure election day environment.”

Kimpact Development Initiatives (KDI), in its preliminary statement, noted that logistical challenges faced by INEC officials impacted the electoral process.

“We observed delays in the deployment of INEC ad hoc officials from some RACs to polling units, raising questions about what went wrong.

“It was noted in RACs, such as Agbado Primary School, Akpapava Road, Oredo LGA, and Model Primary School near Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Ikpoba Okha LGA, that limited vehicles were available.

“Some of these vehicles were in poor condition and inadequate, necessitating multiple trips for transportation. By 9:30 AM, some officials had still not left their RAC centres, resulting in a delayed commencement of polls in affected areas.”

An 80-year-old woman, Madam Ruth Bello, who spoke with our reporter after voting, described the election as peaceful and noted that the process was seamless.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) reported that both the APC and PDP offered between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 in exchange for votes during the elections.

In a preliminary statement from its Election Analysis Centre (EAC) regarding the Edo gubernatorial polls, CDD expressed concern over extensive electoral offences carried out during the elections, which raise worries about the integrity of the electoral process.

The statement, signed by CDD-EAC chairman Professor Adele Jinadu, noted that while 88% of its observers reported no campaigns near or at the polling units, those who reported electoral offences highlighted significant incidents of vote trading and officials failing to take corrective action.

According to CDD-EAC, incidents of vote buying were observed in Edo Central, specifically in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Ward 10, Polling Unit 014, Esan Central, Ward 5, Unit 4 at Eguare Primary School, and Esan North East, Ward 5, Uromi, involving both APC and PDP.

“It was reported that both the APC and PDP offered between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 in exchange for votes. The same practice was observed in Esan West LGA, Ward 6 Central Primary School, Iruekpen Ekpoma, PU: 004. Observers noted that this practice contributed to an increase in voter turnout as news of the financial incentives spread among the electorate.

“In Edo South, reports of vote buying were also noted at Oredo Local Government Area, Ward 12, Ibiwe/Iwegie/Ugbague at Ibiwe I, Oba Market, where PDP and Labour Party (LP) officials were particularly identified as attempting to induce voters. Notably, some agents attempted to engage with voters who spoke Hausa in an effort to connect with the Hausa community in the area.

“On a positive note, around 10:00 AM, suspected vote-buyers were apprehended in the Egor Local Government Area. Officials from the EFCC subsequently removed three individuals—two males and one female—from the scene.

“However, some local residents protested the arrests, claiming the suspects were being unfairly targeted. This led to a brief confrontation between EFCC operatives and residents who attempted to obstruct the removal of the suspects,” the statement partially reads.

CDD-EAC’s observers reported that in 42% of the locations where they were deployed, INEC officials did not arrive on time; an instance occurred at Emotan College (PUs 12/12/04/001 to 005) where officials arrived very late, resulting in none of the polling units being operational by 9:45 AM.

The report also raised concerns over potential overcrowding in polling units, with 65% of observers noting that the polling units they observed had between 501 and 1,000 registered voters, overwhelming polling officials in these units.

Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) deputy governorship candidate, Prince Asamah Kadiri, accused the APC of vote buying, claiming the party engaged in desperate measures. He recounted witnessing incidents perpetrated by the APC in Auchi and other parts of the Edo North district.

Leadership