An independent analysis conducted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a respected non-partisan research institute, has revealed glaring evidence of systemic rigging in the September 21 Edo State governorship election. This exposé, which aired on Channels TV’s *Politics Today*, has thrown Monday Okpebholo, the APC governor-select, and his political backers into disarray, prompting a desperate resort to misinformation and propaganda.
During the broadcast, the program dissected the gross irregularities orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC). The findings, backed by data and forensic evidence, were a sobering revelation of the brazen subversion of democratic principles. For many viewers, it was a painful yet necessary insight into the depth of electoral malpractice that undermined the will of the people.
Rather than addressing the damning revelations head-on, the APC has predictably chosen to deflect with a campaign of lies and character assassination, attempting to discredit institutions and individuals advocating for justice. This tactic is a clear effort to obscure the monumental fraud that transpired and distract the public from the legitimacy of the evidence presented.
The Athena Centre’s findings go beyond mere numbers; they expose a systemic manipulation of the electoral process, designed to subvert the will of the electorate. By inflating voter numbers and tampering with results, INEC’s actions demonstrate a disregard for the principles of fairness and transparency. Such actions threaten the very foundation of democracy in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
Key discrepancies highlighted by the analysis include the inflation of accredited voter numbers and discrepancies in the collation process. In 798 polling units, accredited voter numbers were inflated by over 100,000, casting doubt on the credibility of the election. These manipulations were not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated effort to favor the APC.
The forensic examination also revealed alterations to results uploaded on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Votes for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were deliberately reduced, while additional votes were allocated to the APC. Such actions suggest a deliberate attempt to distort the outcome of the election and undermine the trust of voters.
The APC’s response to these revelations has been to attack the credibility of the Athena Centre and other institutions advocating for transparency. This predictable reaction underscores the party’s discomfort with the exposure of their fraudulent activities. Instead of addressing the evidence, the APC has opted to engage in a smear campaign, further eroding public trust.
The impact of this electoral fraud extends beyond Edo State, setting a dangerous precedent for future elections in Nigeria. If left unchecked, such actions risk normalizing electoral malpractice, undermining the country’s democratic progress. It is imperative that institutions and individuals continue to advocate for accountability and justice.
The judiciary now holds a critical role in addressing these grievances and ensuring that the voices of Edo State’s electorate are not silenced. A fair and impartial review of the evidence is essential to restoring confidence in the electoral process and upholding the principles of justice.
Citizens and civil society organizations must remain vigilant and actively demand accountability from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. Democracy thrives when citizens hold institutions accountable and resist attempts to subvert their collective will.
Despite the APC’s attempts to suppress dissent, the resilience of Edo State’s people and the determination of advocates for justice provide hope. The battle for transparency and accountability is far from over, and the quest for a fair outcome continues.