Edo Election: Observer Groups Raise Concern Over Transparency Of Collation Process

Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have expressed concerns about the transparency of the ongoing results collation in the Edo governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a joint statement released on Sunday in Benin, six observer groups called on security agencies to ensure full access for the media and observers at collation centers to promote transparency in the process.

The statement, signed by representatives from the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Yiaga Africa, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ElectHER, and TAF Africa, highlighted issues affecting the credibility of the collation process.

“We, the undersigned accredited civil society organizations, express concern over the transparency of the ongoing results collation for the 2024 Edo governorship election by INEC. Reports of disruptions at collation centers, including the intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate results contrary to electoral guidelines, have raised serious credibility concerns,” the statement said.

The CSOs acknowledged INEC’s response to reports of result tampering and commended its commitment to investigating any violations. However, they stressed the need for swift action.

“We urge INEC to invoke Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 to review declarations where results were not freely declared or violated electoral rules.”

The statement also emphasized the critical role of security agencies in safeguarding the election process, calling for non-interference to ensure party agents, media, and observers can access collation centers without obstruction, preserving the integrity of the election results.