During the collation of results in the recent Governorship election in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, the outgoing governor, was compelled to depart from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This incident occurred around 4:10 am on Sunday and was reportedly instigated by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mbah.
Allegedly arriving unannounced at approximately 2:00am Obaseki sought to address purported irregularities in the collation of results from certain local government areas, including Oredo. Despite being informed by INEC officials that his presence was unwarranted, Obaseki, along with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, persisted in remaining on the premises.
Subsequently, a combined team of policemen led by DIG Frank Mbah and soldiers entered the premises, escorting Obaseki out by 4:10 am amid verbal instructions to leave.
Before Obaseki's departure, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Surajudeen Basiru addressed journalists, expressing that the governor had no legitimate reason to be present and denouncing his actions as an abuse of office.
Earlier, members of the APC, led by Monday Okpebholo's running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, protested outside the INEC premises, demanding Obaseki's exit, asserting that his presence was unauthorized.
Protesters attempted to enter the premises at intervals but were consistently prevented from doing so, despite their efforts.
Meanwhile, as the collation of results continued, data from the INEC Result Viewing Portal revealed that 98.23 percent of results from polling units had been uploaded, indicating a close governorship race between the APC and the PDP.