Early results from the Edo State governorship election suggest a fierce contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with both parties running neck-and-neck in several polling units. Meanwhile, the Labour Party is trailing significantly behind.
In Oredo Ward, a key battleground in the election, polling unit results indicate a tight race between the APC and PDP, with margins of just a few votes separating the two. SaharaReporters, on-site at Oredo Ward, witnessed the intense competition, while Labour Party struggled to make a significant impact.
Here are some of the early results from polling units in Oredo Ward:
– **Polling Unit 5**
Total registered voters: 697
APC: 26
PDP: 58
LP: 7
– **Polling Unit 6**
Total registered voters: 560
APC: 46
PDP: 50
LP: 14
– **Polling Unit 7**
Total registered voters: 821
APC: 38
PDP: 44
LP: 9
– **Polling Unit 8**
Total registered voters: 643
APC: 56
PDP: 35
LP: 4
While the results trickle in, reports of widespread vote-buying have marred the credibility of the election. The civil society group YIAGA condemned incidents of bribery by party agents in various local government areas (LGAs) across Edo State, including Ikpoba/Okha, Igueben, Esan West, Akoko Edo, Owan West, and Uhunwode LGAs. According to YIAGA, party agents from both the APC and PDP were seen offering voters cash rewards of ₦10,000 to secure their votes.
One instance of vote-buying was reported at the Igueben-Idumoka Primary School polling unit in Ward 1, Igueben LGA, where APC and PDP agents allegedly bribed voters. Another incident occurred at Enikaro Primary School in Ugbekun Ward, Ikpoba/Okha LGA, where cash handouts were also spotted.
The electoral process was further disrupted by logistical issues. At a polling unit in Ikpoba, accreditation and voting were suspended after INEC officials failed to arrive with the official stamp needed to validate votes. In Uhunwode LGA, an altercation between APC and PDP supporters over allegations of bribery led to the suspension of voting and the destruction of a voting cubicle.
Political thugs also wreaked havoc at Anyaran Araromi Primary School in Akoko Edo LGA, disrupting the voting process and leaving many voters frustrated.
As election officials continue to tally results, the tense race between APC and PDP remains unpredictable, with allegations of voter manipulation casting a shadow over the integrity of the process. All eyes are now on the final results as Edo State waits to see which party will emerge victorious in this highly contentious election.
