Election Observers Vow To Expose Malpractices In Edo Polls

A coalition of election observers accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to expose significant malpractices observed during the Edo State governorship elections.

The coalition, comprising over 30 accredited civil society organizations, deployed more than 300 personnel across the state’s 18 local government areas to monitor the distribution of sensitive electoral materials and the conduct of the election.

The coalition, with a total of 367 observers stationed at polling units and electoral wards, reported several logistical challenges and irregularities in the lead-up to the election.

According to a statement issued by the ,National Coordinator, Coalition of Accredited Election Observers, Dr Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth, several wards experienced delayed or incomplete delivery of electoral materials, while some areas allegedly did not receive materials at all due to suspected hacking.

Dr Breakforth, revealed that their teams recorded instances of vote manipulation and other irregularities in 104 polling units across 12 local government areas.

These malpractices, which reportedly occurred during collation at some local government centers, were captured on camera and video by the observers.

“The evidence we have gathered is overwhelming. We have videos and data showing clear attempts to compromise the electoral process.

Edo people have made their decision, but what happened during and before the collation must be brought to light,” Dr Breakforth said.

The coalition is currently compiling all the observed evidence, which they plan to present to relevant authorities where necessary.

They emphasized that their commitment to transparency and credible elections remains unwavering.

The group has vowed to make public their findings, which will include detailed figures, video clips, and other documented evidence of the election-day irregularities.