Edo Guber: Coalition alleges manipulation, demands INEC chairman’s removal

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations has alleged the manipulation of the outcome of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

DAILY POST reports that though opposition parties particularly the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, repeatedly alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, the National Electoral Commission, INEC declared Monday Okpebholo winner.

However, the coalition comprising election observer groups said at a press conference on Wednesday that the Edo election revealed INEC’s inability to conduct credible elections in the country.

Addressing journalists, Victor Kalu, Convener of the coalition and head of the Center for Development and Transformation Initiative said INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu must be removed from his position to pave the way for a capable hand.

“Our findings show that the election results announced by INEC were far from a free and transparent process.

“We are alarmed by this blatant disregard for electoral laws. If left unaddressed, this sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy itself in Nigeria.

“We appeal to the Judiciary to remember that they are the last hope not just of the common man, but of our democracy. Justice must be seen to have been done in Edo.”

The coalition further warned that failure to rectify the alleged error in the Edo election, Nigerians would lose their trust in the electoral process.