Governor Godwin Obaseki was escorted out of the INEC office in Benin during the Edo State governorship election. Police, led by DIG Frank Mba, removed Obaseki after he reportedly protested result anomalies. Tensions rose as APC leaders and supporters demanded his exit, accusing him of interfering in the process.
In a tense moment during the Edo State governorship election, Governor Godwin Obaseki was escorted out of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City around 4:10 a.m. by a police team led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba. Obaseki had arrived at the INEC office earlier, around 2 a.m., reportedly to protest irregularities in the collation of results, including those from his local government, Oredo.
Officials reminded him that his presence was unnecessary, as PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo had been asked to leave earlier. Despite this, Obaseki insisted on staying. His prolonged presence prompted All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, including National Secretary Surajudeen Basiru, to demand his removal, stating that Obaseki had no official role in the process.
At around 3:30 a.m., APC members, led by Monday Okpebholo's running mate Dennis Idahosa, gathered outside INEC, demanding Obaseki’s exit. The protesters argued that the governor, not being an INEC official or a candidate, should not interfere with the proceedings. Amid rising tensions, the police and military personnel intervened, leading to Obaseki’s departure amidst shouts from security officers.
