Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Edo election, Frank Mba, had no option but to give Governor Godwin Obaseki marching orders to quit the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin, on Sunday morning.
Accompanied by his security aides, Obaseki had stormed INEC office around 3am probably out of desperation.
The governor moved straight to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) office where he held a closed door meeting.
However some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also stormed INEC office in protest.
National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru and running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo, governorship candidate of the APC, Dennis Idahosa, led the a protest march to the INEC office
Idahosa said: “Obaseki must come out. He is not supposed to be here. He is not an INEC staff. Nigeria Police should not compromise.”
The protesters tried to gain entrance into INEC premises but they were prevented by armed security operatives.
However were heard shouting on top of their voices as they banged the gate repeatedly
National Secretary of APC, Surajudeen Basiru, described Obaseki’s action as abuse of office.
“Obaseki is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here, the governor’s action as abuse of office.”
In the commotion that ensued DIG Mba walked into the INEC office and asked the governor to leave.
Obaseki, who pretended to be focused elsewhere, infuriated the senior police office making him to go tough.
“Please, leave here!” he ordered before policemen escorted Obaseki out of INEC premises.
