The Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024, has been marred by accusations of widespread rigging, particularly by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata trailed with just over 22,000 votes.
PDP officials, alongside outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, have raised serious concerns about the conduct of the election. They accused the APC, in collaboration with certain Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, of manipulating the results in key areas. Allegations include inflating APC votes while reducing those of the PDP, particularly in local government areas like Akoko Edo and Etsako West. These allegations have stirred significant discontent, with PDP officials calling for a recount and condemning the use of state apparatus to sway the election results in favor of the APC.
Furthermore, protests have emerged regarding the electoral process, with some accusing the APC of using security forces to intimidate PDP supporters and disrupt voting in certain strongholds. Governor Obaseki himself expressed disappointment over his loss in his home local government, further fueling suspicions of manipulation.
The controversies surrounding the election reflect broader concerns about democratic integrity in Nigeria. Many observers, both local and international, have pointed out that if these allegations are not properly investigated, they could undermine confidence in future elections and deepen Nigeria's political crisis. The close relationship between the APC and national security forces, as well as the apparent inability of INEC to guarantee a free and fair process, paints a worrying picture for Nigeria’s democracy
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