Early Sunday morning, a dramatic scene unfolded at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Benin, Edo State, as Governor Godwin Obaseki was escorted out by security forces.
Obaseki, who arrived at the INEC office around 2 am, allegedly raised concerns about potential irregularities in the collation process for several local government areas, including his own, Oredo.
INEC officials reportedly informed the governor that his presence was inappropriate, echoing earlier instructions given to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who was also asked to leave. Despite this, Obaseki remained at the INEC office.
Around 3 am, a combined team of police officers, led by DIG Frank Mba, and soldiers arrived at the INEC premises. By 4:10 am, Obaseki was seen being escorted out, with security personnel urging him to leave.
Prior to Obaseki’s departure, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed the press, stating, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here,” Basiru characterized the governor’s actions as an abuse of office.
The incident followed a protest led by APC members, including Honourable Dennis Idahosa, who demanded Obaseki’s removal from the INEC premises, asserting that he had no legitimate reason to be present.
