Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has clarified his early morning visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre in Benin City on Sunday.
The governor said he went to the centre after reports that the collation process had stopped and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agents were being barred from entering.
Obaseki stated that around 1 am, he received information that the collation was being moved to INEC’s headquarters and that PDP agents were being blocked from participating.
He said after unsuccessfully attempting to contact the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), he went to the INEC office to seek an explanation.
His words: “At about 1 am, I got a report that collation was supposed to have been moved to the INEC head office.
“I also got reports from our agents that PDP agents were not allowed into the collation centre. At that point in time, I called the REC to find an explanation of what was going on.
“There was no response, and I then went to the INEC office to meet with the REC and to understand what steps INEC was taken to continue the process of collation.”
The governor’s visit sparked protests from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Dennis Idahosa.
The protesters demanded his removal from the premises. Eventually, Obaseki was escorted out by police officers led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba.