Civil Society Groups Accused of Partisan Attack On Edo Election Outcome

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has slammed claims by certain civil society groups criticising the Edo State gubernatorial election results, calling them a “partisan hatchet job” with no factual basis.

In a statement issued by IMPI Chairman Niyi Akinsiju, the organisation accused the coalition of echoing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) position, thereby lacking objectivity and public interest.

IMPI noted the striking similarities between the coalition’s allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP’s narrative, which included allegations of vote manipulation and intimidation of INEC officials.

“The various allegations… are the same positions canvassed by the PDP,” the statement read.

IMPI denied the coalition’s claims of a compromised and violent election, pointing out that accredited monitors and observers, including their own, witnessed a peaceful and calm election process.

The policy group also refuted allegations of bias against security agencies, praising the police team led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mba for their professionalism and objectivity.

“Our onsite participants’ observations… put the lie to claims by the CSOs that only members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were given unrestricted access to the collation,” IMPI stated.

They acknowledged an incident in which security personnel tear-gassed observers and INEC officials at a collation centre following a violent attempt by PDP members to enter the site.

However, they also reported that security personnel prevented APC members, including the National Secretary, from entering the INEC office.

IMPI urged all parties involved to accept the election results and avoid baseless accusations and divisive rhetoric.

“May we appeal to all interested parties… to moderate their bitterness and conflict over the election results,” the statement concluded.