Edo State Witnesses Mostly Peaceful Local Elections Amid Criticisms from Opposition
Saturday’s local government elections in Edo State proceeded generally smoothly, albeit with allegations of logistical issues from opposition parties. Overseen by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), the democratic exercise aimed to install grassroots leaders across various localities.
Early Voting and Impressive Turnout
Areas such as Akoko-Edo in Edo North saw prompt delivery of voting materials, with some polling stations commencing as early as 8 a.m. Governor Godwin Obaseki, casting his vote at Emokpae Primary School, praised the voter turnout and general peaceful atmosphere.
Controversy and Calls for Cancellation
While the overall environment was tranquil, opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) flagged concerns about incomplete electoral materials. Daniel-Ero Onaghise, the LP’s chairmanship candidate for Oredo Local Government, even demanded that the elections be annulled. Labour Party activists staged a protest at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ office to make their grievances heard.
Governor Optimistic Despite Hiccups
Despite the controversy, Governor Obaseki remained upbeat about the prospects of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Obaseki lauded the organizing efforts of EDSIEC and expressed hope that any voting delays would be addressed by extending polling hours.
What Lies Ahead
As Edo State awaits the final vote counts, the spotlight is on EDSIEC to effectively address concerns raised by the opposition and provide an accurate and fair result. Governor Obaseki anticipates a strong showing for the PDP due to their comprehensive mobilization efforts. Nonetheless, the ultimate verdict remains to be seen, setting the stage for a scrutinizing look at the electoral process’s credibility in the state.
Saturday’s local elections will undoubtedly serve as a measure of Edo State’s democratic health, offering a glimpse into what to expect in upcoming state and national polls.
