Thousands of Edo women, dressed in black, flooded the streets of Benin City today, protesting the manipulation of the just-concluded Edo State governorship election.
The women, who were visibly agitated, called for the immediate return of the mandate they claim was freely given to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, during the September 21, 2024 election.
Chanting slogans of “Return our mandate!” and “No to injustice!” the women marched through major streets in Benin City, shutting down key areas and drawing attention to what they believe is an electoral injustice perpetrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the gathering, one of the prominent leaders of the protest, expressed the collective anger of the women, saying, “We voted for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie because they are the true voices of the people of Edo State.
“The attempt to steal our votes and hand victory to the APC is a grave injustice, and we will not rest until our mandate is restored.”
She continued, “We are dressed in black to symbolize the mourning of democracy in Edo State. Our vote is our voice, and we refuse to allow anyone to silence us.
“INEC must release the BVAS data and other electoral materials for transparency. We know who we voted for, and we demand that the rightful winners be sworn in.”
Another protester, Mrs Helen Enakhire, who travelled from Auchi to participate in the protest, added, “We are here to tell the world that we will not be intimidated. Our votes are sacred, and we cast them for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie.
“The APC must not be allowed to steal this election. We stand firm in our demand for justice, and we will keep protesting until we see results.”
The protesting women also called on the international community to intervene in the crisis, warning that continued suppression of the people’s will could lead to unrest.
“The world needs to know what is happening in Edo State,” said Mrs. Josephine Osagie, a marketwoman from Ekpoma.
The peaceful protest, which began in the early hours of the morning, quickly gained momentum as more women joined the procession, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “INEC, Obey Court Orders!”, “Edo Women Say No to Electoral Fraud!”, and “INEC Must Be Accountable!”.
The protests come in the wake of widespread allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation following the September 21 governorship election, where INEC declared the APC candidate as the winner.
Today’s procession is the latest in a series of demonstrations that have taken place across Edo State since the election results were announced.
Supporters of Ighodalo and Ogie have continued to demand justice, accusing INEC and the APC of attempting to undermine democracy in the state.
