Thousands of women, dressed in black, took to the streets of Benin City today in a massive protest, demanding the return of the mandate they believe was given to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, in the recently concluded Edo governorship election.
Chanting slogans of “Justice for Edo!” and “Our votes must count,” the protesters decried what they called the manipulation and tampering of the election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and alleged collusion with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
One of the protest leaders who addressed journalists said, “We, the women of Edo, are not here for violence. We are here for justice.
Our votes were for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie. We will not sit by and watch our democracy be stolen from us.”
The peaceful protest, which saw participants from various parts of the state, blocked major roads in the capital, disrupting daily activities as they marched towards the INEC office, demanding immediate compliance with the court order to release all election materials for inspection.
Mrs. Iwinosa Aikhomu, another protester, said: “This is our state, our future, and we will not allow anyone to take it from us. INEC must follow the law, and APC must respect the will of the people!”
The protest comes in the wake of a heated political battle, with the PDP accusing INEC of refusing to release the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other materials used in the September 21, 2024, election, despite a court order.
The women vowed to continue their demonstrations until the rightful winners are recognized.
The protesting women also called on the international community to intervene in the crisis, warning that continued suppression of the people’s will could lead to unrest.
“The world needs to know what is happening in Edo State,” said Mrs. Josephine Osagie, a marketwoman from Ekpoma.
Today’s procession is the latest in a series of demonstrations that have taken place across Edo State since the election results were announced.
Supporters of Ighodalo and Ogie have continued to demand justice, accusing INEC and the APC of attempting to undermine democracy in the state.