Some Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, on Sunday in Benin expressed doubt over the transparency of the ongoing results collation of the result of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Six civil society groups in a joint statement urged security agencies to allow the media and observers full access to collation centres for transparency.
According to a joint statement the statement by the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Yiaga Africa, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ElectHER, and TAF Africa, the authorities ought to ensure a more transparent process.
“We, the undersigned accredited civil society organizations, express concern over the transparency of the ongoing results collation for the 2024 Edo governorship election by INEC,” the statement read.
“Reports of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate results against electoral provisions, have raised credibility concerns about the process.
“INEC’s statement acknowledging reports of result mutilation and its commitment to investigate any proven violations is a step in the right direction but needs prompt action.
“We urge INEC to invoke Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 to review declarations where results were not voluntarily declared or violated electoral provisions.
“Security agencies must ensure non-interference in the collation process, allowing party agents, the media, and observers full access to maintain transparency and uphold electoral integrity.”