By Our Correspondent
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lamented over what it described as an inappropriate actions of some political actors, and warned against any attempts to disrupt the collation process.
This concern came when INEC observed the presence of some political figures at its Edo state headquarters on Saturday night, shortly after the gubernatorial elections concluded.
Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said in spite of the action which created tension, the commission was going ahead with the collation of the results, threatening to invoke the relevant sections of the law against those trying to disrupt the process.
He stated in the statement that, “Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest.
“The same results have also been collated from all the 192 Wards. Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation.
“However, the Commission received a deeply disturbing report from our Resident Electoral Commissioner of a threat to our office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area yesterday, resulting in a stampede in which one of our officials was injured.
“We are similarly disturbed by the overnight presence and demonstrations by some political actors and their supporters at our State Head Office ahead of the commencement of final collation. These actions are uncalled for.
“Nobody should disrupt the process at any stage and no one will be allowed to benefit from lawlessness.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections.
“There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.
“Accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres.
“The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process.”