Edo Election: TAP Initiative Petitions ICPC, Seeks Probe

A non-governmental organisation known as TAP Initiative has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), seeking investigations and prosecutions of all electoral offenders in last month’s Edo State governorship election.

In a petition sent to ICPC, signed by the executive director, TAP Initiative, Martin Obono, and sent to LEADERSHIP, the organisation said, “We write to bring to your attention serious allegations of corrupt practices and forgery involving certain staff and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Edo governorship elections held from September 21 to 22, 2024.

“This petition is submitted under Section 26 of the ICPC Act, 2000, which makes it an offense for any public officer to corruptly confer any advantage upon themselves or any other person through their position.”

The organisation alleged in the petition noted that  “the recent Edo State governorship elections were marred by significant irregularities, some of which were perpetrated by all political parties without exception.

“On election day, we accessed results from the INEC Result Viewer (IReV), which houses election results uploaded directly from polling units across the state. The results obtained from the IReV portal corresponded with those collected by election observers at the polling units, bearing the signatures of polling unit agents and presiding officers.

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“However, after voting concluded, INEC announced results that differed from the original data obtained from the IReV. A comparison between the result sheets from IReV and the Certified True Copies issued by INEC revealed discrepancies: although the serial numbers, polling units, and wards matched, the results differed. In some cases, the number of registered voters was altered, and the signatures of the presiding officers were forged, with the signatures of polling unit agents either absent or also forged.

“Additionally, a forensic examination conducted by a South African graphology confirmed that the Certified True Copies issued by INEC were predominantly authored by a single individual.  Others to be investigated include the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for authorizing the printing of two different result sheets, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State for overseeing these fraudulent elections, and the INEC legal officer in Benin who issued the Certified True Copies. What transpired in Edo State constitutes a heist orchestrated by an institution that should serve as a guardian of our democratic process. If this institution is compromised, the very foundation of our democracy is at risk. We hereby request that the ICPC, in line with its mandate under Section 6(b) of the ICPC Act, 2000, conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. Our organization and its partners are prepared to provide further information and evidence to assist your investigation. We trust that the ICPC will respond decisively to this critical matter and hetp protect our democracy.”