A Stolen Mandate: INEC and Police Must Be Held Accountable for Rigging the Edo Governorship Election
The recent Edo State governorship election, instead of being a proud demonstration of democracy, has become a sobering reminder of how corrupt forces can undermine the will of the people. According to reports from independent analysts and election observers, this election was marred by widespread manipulation of results, alterations, and outright rigging—actions that severely compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
At the center of this scandalous affair is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the institution entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. In a shocking betrayal of public trust, INEC is alleged to have conspired with the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Nigeria Police Force, to rig the election. These actions are not only undemocratic but criminal, and the individuals involved must face justice.
INEC's Role in Subverting Democracy
The Independent National Electoral Commission was created to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria, but in Edo State, INEC failed miserably in fulfilling this sacred duty. Reports of electoral malpractices, from tampering with ballot boxes to altering election results, suggest that INEC officials were deeply complicit in subverting the will of the people. This is a gross betrayal, and those responsible must not be allowed to go free.
Evidence points to INEC colluding with APC operatives to manipulate the election in their favor. The scale of this conspiracy suggests a well-organized scheme to rob the people of Edo State of their rightful mandate. It is a crime against democracy, and the guilty parties must be brought to justice. This kind of behavior by INEC threatens to erode public trust in our electoral system and set a dangerous precedent for future elections across the country.
The Police: Agents of Intimidation and Manipulation
Equally disturbing is the role of the Nigeria Police Force in this electoral travesty. Instead of providing security and ensuring a peaceful and orderly process, the police allegedly colluded with APC officials to intimidate voters and facilitate the rigging process. Reports from observers reveal that police officers were complicit in preventing voters from accessing polling units, allowing political thugs to wreak havoc, and turning a blind eye to blatant electoral fraud.
The use of state security apparatus to undermine democracy is an egregious abuse of power. The police, who are supposed to protect citizens and uphold the law, have instead become tools for political manipulation. This is not just a betrayal of their oath to serve and protect, but a criminal act that requires immediate investigation and prosecution.
A Call for Arrest and Prosecution
Those involved in this grand conspiracy to steal the mandate of the people of Edo State must be held accountable. The corrupt officials within INEC, the police officers who betrayed their duty, and the APC operatives who orchestrated this fraudulent scheme cannot be allowed to escape justice. The rule of law demands that they are arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
It is imperative that an independent investigation be launched immediately to uncover the full extent of the election rigging and manipulation. If Nigeria is to maintain any semblance of democratic integrity, we cannot allow those who conspire to undermine elections to go unpunished.
The people of Edo State—and indeed, all Nigerians—deserve to have their voices heard and their votes respected. We cannot afford to let this travesty go unchallenged, or we risk losing the very essence of our democracy. Let this be a turning point where justice prevails, and those who corrupt our electoral process are held accountable for their crimes.
Defending Democracy
The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, and it is up to all of us to defend it. INEC, the police, and those within the APC who have conspired to rig the Edo governorship election have committed crimes that strike at the heart of our nation’s democratic values. The time for action is now. We call for the immediate arrest, prosecution, and punishment of all those involved in this election rigging scandal.
Democracy can only thrive when the rule of law is upheld, and the will of the people is respected. If we allow this gross violation to stand unchallenged, we are setting a dangerous precedent for future elections. Justice must be served.
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