In the early hours of Sunday, Governor Godwin Obaseki was dramatically escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba.
Obaseki had arrived at the INEC premises around 2:00 am, reportedly to protest irregularities in the collation of results from some local government areas, including his own Oredo. INEC officials informed him that his presence was not permitted, just as PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo had been asked to leave earlier.
At about 4:10 am, security forces led by DIG Frank Mba and a contingent of soldiers and police officers escorted Obaseki out. As the governor was led outside, security personnel reportedly shouted, “Leave, leave.”
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, later addressed the media, stating, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here,” accusing the governor of abusing his office.
The situation escalated earlier when APC members, led by Dennis Idahosa, the running mate of Monday Okpebholo, staged a protest outside the INEC office at 3:30 am, demanding that Obaseki leave the premises. The protesters attempted to gain access to the INEC building but were blocked by security forces.
