#EdoDecides2024: INEC collation centre on break, resumes at 5 pm for final results

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre for the Edo governorship election has gone on recess after announcing results from 16 of the 18 local government areas.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, is currently in the lead.

The collation centre is scheduled to resume at 5 p.m. when results from the remaining two LGAs are expected to arrive. Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, is serving as the returning officer.

INEC had previously stated that it was ready to begin state-level collation of the governorship election results, as announced by National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna during a press conference on Sunday.

The commission has also activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the timely upload of polling unit results.

Additionally, collation has been completed in most of the 192 wards, with designated officials either present at the Benin City collation centre or en route.

INEC stressed that the collation process will adhere to the guidelines set out in the Electoral Act 2022, including mechanisms for addressing complaints and reviewing results declared under duress.

“Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation,” it said. “For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections. There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.”

The commission reassured that accredited party agents, observers, and the media would have unrestricted access to all collation centres.

Furthermore, INEC urged security agencies to maintain the vigilance and professionalism that contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election as the process concludes.