Tensions are rising in Edo and Kaduna States ahead of Saturday’s by-elections, with opposition parties and election monitors alleging prewritten results, compromised Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and recruitment of armed thugs to intimidate voters.
In Edo, the Coalition of Observer Groups warned of plans to manipulate results in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency. The group alleged tactics similar to those seen in the disputed September 2024 governorship poll, including duplicate result sheets prepared before collation and police harassment of opposition agents.
A senior Peoples Democratic Party figure claimed results are already being written in Government House, with controversial INEC officials from Rivers State deployed to oversee the vote. The coalition urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure a peaceful, violence-free process.
In Kaduna, the African Democratic Congress and Social Democratic Party accused the ruling APC of mobilising 4,000 thugs, bribing INEC staff, and raising billions for vote buying and security compromise. They named a serving commissioner and a former senator as alleged key actors.
Opposition groups in both states called on INEC to replace questionable officials, guarantee transparent collation, and secure polling centres. INEC and the police are yet to respond.
