Tony Kabaka, a prominent youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has led a group of party members in protests across Benin City, the state capital. The demonstrations were sparked by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s controversial presence at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office during the collation of governorship election results.
Governor Obaseki’s unexpected visit to the INEC office reportedly stemmed from concerns that the APC was attempting to manipulate the election outcome. He sought to oversee the collation process and address irregularities identified in certain local government areas, including Oredo, where he cast his vote. However, INEC officials informed the governor that he was not permitted to be present, citing established procedural rules. Despite this, Obaseki insisted on staying, resulting in a tense standoff.
Earlier in the day, Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had also been denied access to the INEC premises. However, unlike Ighodalo, Obaseki remained defiant, heightening tensions at the collation center.
The situation escalated when a combined security team, including police officers, soldiers, and other security personnel led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba, arrived at the scene around 3 a.m. Mba, who had been appointed by the Inspector General of Police to oversee the election, eventually escorted the governor out of the premises to restore order.
In response to Obaseki’s actions, Tony Kabaka led a group of APC supporters in a protest against what they perceived as interference in the electoral process. Videos have since surfaced online, showing APC loyalists taking to the streets of Benin in opposition to the governor’s involvement and the allegations surrounding the election.
The protest has added to the growing tension surrounding the governorship election, with both sides calling for transparency and fairness in the final outcome.
