Rigging Allegations: Police chase out gov Obaseki from INEC office
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The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, was chased out of the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) by police officers in the wee hours of Sunday.
Obaseki and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo accused the police and the electoral commission of compromising the electoral process to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Obaseki, accompanied by his security details, walked into the INEC office around 3am and headed straight to the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner where they held a closed door meeting.
However, the governor’s presence triggered a protest by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The protesters were led by the national secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, and the deputy governorship candidate of the party, Dennis Idahosa.
“Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise,” Mr Idahosa said.
The protesters tried to gain entrance into INEC premises, but they were prevented by armed security operatives.
However, they banged the gate repeatedly while shouting on top of their voices.
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After much back and forth, a police team led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Edo election, Frank Mba, ordered the governor to leave the premises.
“Please, leave here!” he ordered before policemen escorted Mr Obaseki out of INEC premises.
While speaking with newsmen, National Secretary of APC, Surajudeen Basiru, described Mr Obaseki’s action as abuse of office.
“Obaseki is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here, the governor’s action is abuse of office.”
