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CSOs Reject Edo Election Results, Allege Electoral Violations

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A coalition of accredited civil society organizations, CSOs, has rejected the results of the Edo governorship election held on September 21, expressing concerns about the election’s transparency and integrity.

The coalition, which includes notable organizations such as the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, and the Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative, issued a statement highlighting significant irregularities observed during the election.

Although the observers reported satisfaction with the results from over 4,500 polling units, they rejected the results compiled at the ward and local government levels by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

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READ ALSO: #EdoDecides2024: INEC Concludes Collation Of Results

A statement by the CSOs, signed by its key coordinators, Mrs. Rose Akhigbe, Comrade Peter Nwokolo, Engr. Anyasor Gabriel, and Comrade Sunny Elekwa, who all have been vocal in expressing their concerns over the election’s transparency, stated that INEC’s actions during the collation process contradicted the provisions outlined in the Electoral Act 2022.

We reject the collation of results at the wards and local governments because INEC complied with the Electoral Act at the polling units but violated it during the collation,” said Comrade Peter Nwokolo.

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The coalition highlighted that there were two sets of result sheets— one used in the field and another that appeared to favor the All Progressive Congress, APC, in specific regions.

READ ALSO: #EdoDecides2024: PDP Alleges Results Alteration, Demands Re-collation

The observers also raised the alarm about the involvement of military and police personnel, who allegedly disrupted the collation process and intimidated INEC officials.

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There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments, and state collation centers,” they stated, calling into question the credibility of the entire electoral process.

The coalition declared their rejection of the results, which announced APC’s candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the winner, stating, “Results were only collated at the units and some wards before the military and police interfered.”

READ ALSO: Edo Poll: CSO Expresses Concern Over Security Situation, Likely Vote Buying

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As the coalition seeks to address these pressing concerns, they urge for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic practices.

The coalition represents a diverse of organizations, including the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, Grassroots Development and Peace Initiative, Citizens Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative, and the Centre for Development & Transformation Initiative.

Other organizations in the coalition include the Initiative for Peace, Humanity, and Social Advancement for Women; Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission in Nigeria; Centre for Social Values and Early Childhood Development, and the Amazon Women of Substance Initiative.

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YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

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READ ALSO:Edo SWAN Distances Self From Online Publication Against Enabulele

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

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Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

READ ALSO:How Enabulele Is Driving Okpebholo’s Agenda In Edo Sports Commission

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

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The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

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MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

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Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

READ ALSO:MOWAA: Why I Will Not Appear Before Edo Assembly Panel — Obaseki

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

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He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

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READ ALSO:MOWAA Controversy: Edo Assembly Threatens Arrest Warrant On Obaseki, Others

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

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It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

READ ALSO:Edo Assembly Charges Contractor Handling Ekekhuan Road To Accelerate Work

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“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

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Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

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Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

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Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

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Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

READ ALSO:Nigeria Army Alone Cannot Defeat Bandits — Sheikh Gumi

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

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He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

READ ALSO:Insecurity: What Sheikh Gumi Told Me After Visiting Bandits Hideouts — Obasanjo

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He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

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