Two APC Governors Accused Of Moving Pre-signed INEC Result Sheets To Edo
Two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, one from the southeast and a high-ranking official of the party, have reportedly arrived in Edo carrying already signed result sheets and other sensitive voting materials ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
Interestingly, the governors arrived in the state with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in one of the southeast states.
According to reliable sources, the officials travelled by road from Owerri, Imo State, to Benin City on Wednesday afternoon, following an APC rally in Imo ahead of the local government elections in the southeast state.
The high-profile delegation was escorted by dozens of heavily armed policemen from the anti-kidnapping unit, known as Tiger Base, a special tactical unit within the police force.
The materials were reportedly transported in a police armoured vehicle and stashed at the private residence of a former Edo State Governor.
A source familiar with details of the trip said: “There’s no doubt this is a pre-planned operation aimed at rigging the election.”
The intention, according to insiders, is to use the pre-signed result sheets in conjunction with force at collation centres.
The former Edo state governor, who is currently a serving senator is said to be playing a major role in orchestrating the plan.
The presence of an official of INEC in the delegation of the APC chieftains has also raised serious concerns about the independence of the electoral body.
With just hours to go before the crucial Edo State election, political analysts warn that the involvement of high-profile figures, coupled with the allegations of pre-signed results, points to a looming political crisis in the state.
The next 24 hours are expected to be critical as Edo State braces for a potentially volatile election fraught with accusations of manipulation, security interventions, and potential unrest.
The stage is set for what could be one of the most controversial elections in Edo State’s recent history.