Charles Esther
Ahead of Saturday, August 16th, 2025, the Coalition of Observers in Nigeria, a civil society group, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a free, fair, and credible bye-election in Edo State.
The group, led by Simon Diogu, also warned that there are reports of attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the outcome of the polls.
Urgent Plea to President and Police
Diogu urged President Bola Tinubu to resist any urge to militarize the electoral process.
He also called on the Nigeria Police to maintain professionalism in performing their duties before, during, and after the elections.
Concerns Over Election Integrity
The CSO statement highlighted credible reports suggesting threats to the election’s credibility, including:
- Possible preparation of duplicate result sheets before official collation.
- Fears that results may be predetermined through unlawful means.
The group emphasized that Edo Central Senatorial District is the governor’s home constituency, stressing the need for a neutral and transparent process.
Call on Governor to Ensure Peace
The civil society organization urged the governor to publicly denounce any threats made by his supporters toward opposition candidates.
As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor is expected to ensure that elections are peaceful, violence-free, and conducted according to the law.
INEC’s Legal and Moral Duty
The statement reminded that democracy depends on citizens’ trust.
INEC has a legal and moral obligation to prevent manipulation or intimidation from influencing the outcome.
The CSO demanded that the commission take urgent, visible actions to ensure that collation is transparent, verifiable, and shielded from interference.
