Residents of Edo State have kicked against election observers Yiaga Africa’s report on last weekend’s governorship election, describing it as an attempt to twist facts.
Recall that 51 professional election observers in their official reports had commended the conduct and outcome of the election, describing it as peaceful, fair, transparent and credible in which the people’s choice was respected.
Also, the United States of America (USA) had given similar commendations on the conduct of the election, recommending it as a template for future elections in Nigeria.
Reacting a voter and a political analyst in Benin City, Mr Osawaru Clinton wondered how Yaiga Africa arrived at their conclusion, saying, “How many of the 4,000 polling units/ wards did they visit during the election? They should also inform us how many of their personnel were on ground to cover the election and show us evidence of what they have that other observers do not have.”
Another voter, Miss Precious Osagiede, said, “The unprofessional and unethical practice of a few persons sitting in the comfort of their offices to monitor social media posts and use such to arrive at, and write fictitious reports on elections must be condemned. Not only is it a lazy approach, but it is also inimical to democracy and we must discourage it.”
Responding to the report for the governor-elect, Mr Kingsley Ebhodaghe, said Monday Okphebholo’s campaign team had done a thorough, strategic and effective campaign across the state that it would have been a shock if he had lost the election and therefore wondered why Yiaga had chosen to play the spoiler.
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