In the early hours of Sunday morning, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was forcibly removed from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin by DIG Frank Mba.
Obaseki gained unauthorized access to the INEC building around 2 a.m. and went upstairs to the Edo REC’s office, where results were being collated prior to their announcement. His presence was deemed illegal, as individuals with a vested interest in the results are not permitted on the premises.
As he was escorted out, mobile policemen shouted at him to “Leave, leave.”
PUNCH Online reported that, due to Obaseki’s presence, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Dennis Idahosa, the running mate of Monday Okpebholo, organized a protest demanding his exit around 3:30 a.m. The protesters attempted to enter the INEC premises but were repeatedly prevented from doing so.
Ultimately, Obaseki was escorted out by DIG Frank Mba and a contingent of police, along with APC National Secretary Surajudeen Basiru.