Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was expelled from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City during the early hours of Sunday. The action came after a group of All Progressives Congress (APC) members protested against his presence at the commission’s office.
Reports indicate that Obaseki arrived at the INEC office shortly after 2 AM and remained there until he was escorted out by Deputy Inspector General of Police Frank Mba, accompanied by a police contingent. The expulsion was prompted by APC leaders, including Dennis Idahosa, who demanded that the governor vacate the premises around 3:30 AM.
As Obaseki was led out, officers on site ordered him to leave. APC National Secretary Surajudeen Basiru criticized the governor’s actions, stating he had no valid reason to be present since he is not a candidate in the ongoing elections.
Controversy ensued as the governor reportedly entered the INEC office under the cover of darkness, positioning himself near where election results were being collated. Protesters attempted to breach the INEC gate but were met with resistance from security forces. The situation escalated when DIG Mba arrived at the scene to manage the unfolding events.
