Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State stormed the head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State around 2 am on Sunday.
Accompanied by his security aides, the governor walked into the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for a meeting that lasted for over an hour.
The INEC head office in Benin, Edo capital, is the main collation center for the ongoing governorship election.
While the governor was in the REC’s office, some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) protested at the INEC office, saying it was improper for Obaseki to meet with INEC officials during the election.
The protest leader was later allowed to join the meeting held behind closed doors.
At about 3 am, a combined team of policemen led by DIG Frank Mba and soldiers entered the premises and by 4:10 am, he was escorted out of the premises by the security men who shouted at the governor, “Leave, leave.”
Minutes before Obaseki was led outside by Mba flanked by a contingent of policemen, All Progressives Congress National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists that the governor had no reason to be in the premises.
Basiru said, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here”, describing the governor’s action as an abuse of office.
Earlier, members of the All Progressives Congress led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, led protesters to demand the exit of Governor Godwin Obaseki from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission at about 3.30 am on Sunday.
Idahosa, who was shouting on top of the voice from outside the gate, demanded alongside others for the removal of the governor as he stated that he had no business being there.