Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was forced out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Benin by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba early Sunday morning.
Obaseki, who arrived at the INEC office around 2 a.m., was eventually escorted out by the police after protests erupted, led by Dennis Idahosa, running mate to All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Monday Okpebholo.
Protesters demanded Obaseki’s removal from the premises, which occurred around 3:30 a.m.
As the governor was being led out, mobile police officers deployed to the INEC office shouted, “Leave, leave,” directing him off the premises.
Shortly before Obaseki’s exit, APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed the media, questioning the governor’s presence at the venue, stating, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here,” and called Obaseki’s actions an abuse of office.
The governor reportedly entered the INEC premises on Aduwawa Road under the cover of night and sat close to the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), where election results were being collated.
Throughout the ordeal, protesters tried to force their way into the INEC compound but were kept out by security, despite repeatedly banging on the gate. Eventually, DIG Frank Mba arrived with his team, heading straight to where Obaseki was seated to ensure his removal.
