News

Ondo Election: Explain Discrepancies in Final Result, CDD Charges INEC

Published

9 months ago

November 19, 2024

…Blames low turnout on socioeconomic reality, disatisfaction with 2023 presidential poll

The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain to Nigerians the discrepancies it observed through its Election Analysis Centre in the just concluded Ondo State governorship election.

The CDD, in a post-election statement signed by Prof. Victor Adetula, Lead, CDD-Election Analysis Centre Observation, and Dr. Dauda Garuba, Lead, CDD-EAC Observation Mission Ondo 2024, noted that though the margin would not have affected the overall result, it behoves INEC to explain the discrepancies to Nigerians.

“…comparing data on registered voters published by INEC before the election and those declared by returning officers during result collation, CDD-EAC observed discrepancies in seven of the 18 LGAs in the state.

“While we note that the margins would not have affected the overall result, election-related details and data must be beyond scrutiny and not subject to arbitrary changes.

“We recommend that INEC explain these discrepancies and assure Nigerians about the sacrosanct nature of election-related data,” the CDD Election Analysis Centre noted.

Commenting further on the election, the CDD Election Analysis Centre, while acknowledging improvement in the deployment and use of technology, noted a 78.4% effectiveness of the use of BVAS.

“The CDD-EAC acknowledges the improvement in the deployment and use of technology, i.e. BVAS efficiency and IReV uploading. Our observers noted a 78.4% effectiveness of the use of BVAS.

“In the same vein, wherever a malfunction was experienced, technical intervention to restore functionality was observed to be timely.

“However, we reiterate our earlier concern that the BVAS machine failed to recognise registered voters in some locations, as earlier reported.”

The CDD, while applauding INEC for the significant improvement in the functioning of BVAS, the prompt deployment of security agencies on election duty, however, expressed concern over failure by INEC ad-hoc staff to use the BVAS to transmit election results in some cases.

“The CDD-EAC also notes a significant improvement in the
functioning of BVAS. Similarly, the prompt deployment of security agencies on election duty is commendable. These positive aspects of the election process give hope for the future of elections in Ondo State,” it noted.

The civil organisation continued: “The CDD-EAC is also concerned about instances where form EC 60 E was not displayed at the polling unit, with 10.6% of our observers stating it was not shown. Furthermore, 15% of observers were not shown BVAS transmitting the result, and 1.2% of our observers noted that the machine had been moved outside the polling unit. These instances are concerning,
especially with recent progress recorded on this front.”

Voter Turnout

On low voter turnout, the CDD Election Analysis Centre said the “recent socioeconomic concerns and limited candidate and party engagement with voters” contributed to increased voter apathy and an overall decline in the electorate’s participation, adding that they (electorate) were also dissatisfied with the 2023 presidential election outcome.

“The overall decline in participation in the electoral process compared to the last governorship poll of 2020 and the
Presidential election of 2023 signals disenchantment on the part of the electorate,” CDD added.

News

INEC CVR: CSO Expresses Worry Over Poor Deployment Of Machines, Manpower To LGs In Edo

Published

4 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has expressed worry over the poor deployment of capturing machines and manpower to Igueben Local Government Area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

The Coordinator, EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre, Leftist Enabulele Larry, and Secretary, Leftist Mark Akande expressed the CSO sentiment when the duo visited the INEC headquarters in Igueben where the CBR in the local government is taking place.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday, the leadership of EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre condemned the “use of only two capturing devices in a local government with over 69, 396 in population.”

The duo noted in the statement that their findings at the INEC headquarters revealed two capturing machines were deployed to each local government across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The civil society members said INEC excuse of deploying two capturing machines to each local government was not germane enough because many do not have a computer or android phone to do the online registration INEC gave as an excuse.

“The question here is, what is the percentage of our people mostly the aged individuals, that have access to Android mobile and other internet gadgets in Edo state?

“How many people can afford internet data to enable them have access internet services in Edo state under the current excruciating economic pains by the people?

“How many of the Edo people can even manipulate the Android mobile phone to the extent of navigating the internet hurdles to undertake the job is INEC? If INEC is not ready for the job, they should tell Nigerians.

“If citizens are now advised to individually undertake the statutory job of INEC, of what purpose does the commission serve to the people? etc,” they said.

As at when filing this report, INFO DAILY was yet to get a reply from the message sent to the INEC in Edo for reaction.

News

Edo Sports Commission Boss Celebrates Okpehbolo On Birthday

Published

9 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicated with Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele Okpebholo as a visionary leader whose dedication to the growth and development of the state has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across all sectors, especially sports.

Enabulele, who highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports development, noted that under his leadership, Edo State has witnessed significant strides in grassroots sporting initiatives and infrastructure.

“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not just a political leader but a beacon of hope for the younger generation.

“His passion for excellence and inclusive governance is evident in the way he has continued to support policies that uplift our youths and promote sporting excellence,” the statement read.

The Executive Chairman prayed for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state towards greater prosperity.

“On behalf of the entire Edo State Sports Commission, I extend our warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency at 55. May this new chapter of his life be filled with more accomplishments and divine grace,” he added.

News

Oba Of Benin Suspends Palace Chiefs

Published

20 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.

“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.

“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed.

“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.