Jake Epelle, founder of The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, has condemned the recent gubernatorial election in Edo State as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history.
“It’s unfortunate that I must characterize this election as among the worst, especially given the preparation and assurances that preceded it,” he remarked.
“I expected INEC to conduct this election credibly, offering a chance to restore the confidence and trust that were lost in previous elections.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced APC candidate Monday Okepboholo as the winner on Sunday, with 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes.
In an interview on Monday during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Epelle called for urgent reforms in the electoral process to prevent future logistical challenges.
“I don’t understand why these logistical glitches persist year after year. INEC must reevaluate its approach, especially regarding the road transport union, which has proven ineffective and frequently fails to deliver, even after being paid,” he criticized.
Saturday’s election was marred by protests from PDP supporters who claimed the results were manipulated and did not reflect the voters’ will.
Led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, PDP governors challenged some of the announced results, asserting they were inconsistent with those reported on INEC’s IReV platform.
Referencing a joint statement from YIAGA Africa and the Women’s Trust Fund that outlined the election’s numerous issues, the TAF president warned that without significant reforms, the upcoming Ondo gubernatorial election and the 2027 general elections will likely encounter similar problems.
“The statement from YIAGA and the Women’s Trust Fund clearly illustrates the situation and its ongoing ramifications. If we fail to implement corrective measures, we risk repeating these failures in Ondo and during the 2027 general elections.
“It’s deeply alarming, particularly given the substantial resources invested. Unfortunately, the political class has undermined the democratic principles we all aspire to,” Epelle asserted.
Reflecting on past elections, he noted that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the electoral processes of that time seemed more credible. While irregularities existed, the overall outcomes were fairer than those seen recently.
“Perhaps COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise; despite the difficult circumstances, certain processes and provisions were generally followed, allowing the emergence of a political figure who challenged the established elite.”
Epelle emphasized that his critique is nonpartisan, stating, “I am apolitical. I have no stake in who wins. In this instance, both the APC and PDP have violated the rules.”
