Edo election: IMPI slams pro-PDP allegations, defends transparency, security conduct
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has dismissed allegations made by a coalition of civil society groups regarding the transparency of the Edo State Gubernatorial election, describing the claims as a partisan attack driven by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, IMPI noted that the allegations mirrored the PDP’s grievances over the election process.
The group rejected claims that the collation of results lacked transparency, calling them “unfounded” and an attempt to cast doubt on the electoral process.
“We totally reject their claim,” IMPI said, referring to the civil society groups’ criticisms. “The coalition’s statement is nothing more than a repetition of the PDP’s accusations of electoral malfeasance. This is not a neutral intervention in the public interest but a clear partisan attack aimed at discrediting the election.”
IMPI questioned the coalition’s objectivity, suggesting their statement was intended to portray the election as compromised and violent, despite the peaceful conduct observed by many monitors. “Their sole aim is to present the election as compromised, which is simply not true,” the statement added.
IMPI emphasized that reports from accredited observers, including those from IMPI, indicated that the election was conducted peacefully, contrary to the expectations of violence that had overshadowed the pre-election period.
The group also defended the actions of the police, led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba, stating that security personnel performed their duties without bias.
The group also dismissed claims that only members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had access to collation centres, calling such accusations “baseless.”
IMPI cited an incident at the Oredo and Ikpoba/Okha collation centres, where tear gas was deployed following a violent attempt by PDP members to access the centres.
IMPI also accused Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki of trying to intimidate election officials by occupying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, a situation that was resolved when DIG Mba requested the governor to leave the premises.
In conclusion, IMPI urged all parties to moderate their reactions to the election results and refrain from fueling unfounded allegations of electoral misconduct.
“We appeal to all interested parties to moderate their bitterness and conflict, and break away from the tradition of unfounded outcry that follows elections in Nigeria,” the group said.
