In a dramatic event early Sunday morning, Governor Godwin Obaseki was escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Benin City by police led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba.
The incident occurred around 4:10 am after the governor had entered the INEC premises at about 2 am, reportedly to protest issues in the collation of election results, including those from his own local government area, Oredo.
According to reports, INEC officials informed Obaseki that he was not allowed to be there, just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had been turned away earlier. However, Obaseki insisted on staying.
At around 3 am, a combined team of police officers, led by DIG Frank Mba and supported by soldiers, arrived on the scene. By 4:10 am, they escorted Governor Obaseki out of the premises. As he was led out, security officers reportedly shouted at him, “Leave, leave.”
Surajudeen Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), addressed journalists shortly before the governor’s removal, stating, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here.” He further described the governor’s presence as an “abuse of office.”
Earlier, APC members, led by Honourable Dennis Idahosa, the running mate of Monday Okpebholo, had gathered outside INEC’s office to demand Obaseki’s removal. Idahosa, speaking passionately, said, “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”
The protesters also attempted to enter the INEC premises but were blocked by security personnel, even as they repeatedly bange
d on the gate.
