Edo Guber Election, Another National Disgrace – TAF Boss, Jake Epelle Laments

• Says it’s one of the worst in Nigeria’s history

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Founder and President of The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, Jake Epelle, has described the just-concluded election in Edo state as another national disgrace, insisting that it presents one of the worst governorship poll in Nigeria’s chequered history.

With contestations trailing the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Epelle lamented that things seem to be getting worse with the nation’s electoral process despite efforts to move in the right direction.

According to him; “It’s unfortunate that I will personally describe this election as one of the worst taking into cognisance the level of preparation and assurance.

“I thought that INEC in general would take this election and perform credibly well so that they could begin to redeem the confidence and trust deficit they suffered in the previous election.”

He maintained that his criticism of the exercise is not borne out of any partisan view, saying; “I am apolitical. I don’t care who wins. In this context, both the APC and PDP violated the rules.”

Epelle, who spoke on Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily, on Monday, said urgent reforms must be carried out on the electoral process if Nigeria must enjoy transparent electoral processes and prevent repeated logistical setbacks in future elections.

“I don’t know why we keep having these logistical problems over the years. INEC should look the other way especially when it comes to the road transport union they have been seen and known to be ineffective and not showing when to show up even when money has been given to them,” the TAF founder said.

Further referencing a joint statement from YIAGA Africa and the Women’s Trust Fund, which outlined the issues surrounding the election, Epelle warned that mitigating wasted resources during electioneering should be properly addressed or the upcoming Ondo governorship election and the 2027 general elections would suffer the same if not worst fate.

Hear him; “You will notice that we released a trust statement by YAGGA and Women’s Trust Fund and that statement is an explicit picture of what transpired and what is still playing out, and we are beginning to see a future playbook to come.

“If we don’t take time and correct some of these issues you will see the same thing playing out in Ondo or even in the 2027 general election.

“It is deeply concerning, especially considering the huge amount of money and resources invested. The political class has unfortunately undermined the democratic values we are all working toward”.

On past elections, the TAF Boss noted that the COVID-19 pandemic challenges notwithstanding, electoral processes then seemed more credible, adding that while irregularities were present, the overall outcomes of previous elections appeared fairer than what was witnessed recently.

“I think maybe the COVID was a blessing in disguise because somehow some of the processes and the provisions despite the harsh realities of that time were followed to a large extent and we saw what looked impossible the emergence of a political figure that was with hot contention with its political masters.”

However, despite his worries about the exercise, Epelle commended the Nigerian media for their extensive and inclusive election coverage, even as he appreciated journalists for their incisive reportage in the face of obvious and challenging conditions.

Putting his appreciation of the media in perspective, Epelle said; “One of the best takeaways for me was the media coverage. It was one of the most comprehensive I’ve seen in recent times. I was very pleased with the level of spot assessment risk they took.

“I think we had one of the best media reporting in this election and the coverage was inclusive”.

Epelle’s views aligns with some of the scathing criticisms that have shadowed INEC’s declaration of APC’s Monday Okepboholo as the winner of the poll with 291,667 votes against PDP’s Asue Ighodalo who garnered 247,274 votes and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata  who polled 22,763 votes.

Many stakeholders are insisting that the Saturday, September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election was marred by massive irregularities with the ruling APC deploying ‘federal might’ to have its way across the State.

So far, the loudest protests have come from supporters of the PDP who are insisting that the results were fabricated and do not represent the will of Edo people.

The PDP governors, who were led to Edo by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, faulted some of the results announced, maintaining that they do not tally with those uploaded on IReV.