Controversy Erupts in Edo Elections: Davido Weighs In on INEC Discrepancies After APC Victory

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the recent Edo State election. Okpebholo secured his victory with over 40,000 votes from all 18 local governments in the state. This announcement has been met with controversy, as the Edo State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, expressed concerns over alleged discrepancies in the voting results. Aziegbemi claims that there are inconsistencies between the figures on the EC8 forms, which voters filled out, and the results reflected on INEC’s iREV platform.

Afrobeat star Davido, whose mother hailed from Edo State, had previously voiced concerns about the electoral process in the state, reflecting on his family's own experience with elections. Davido’s pre-election apprehensions seemed to foreshadow the current dispute. Following the announcement of Okpebholo's victory, Davido took to social media to express his frustration with INEC, stating,

“No be say I gentle Dey pack am for INEC... Dem Dey write am for Switzerland... mama sent a photo... WE NEVER READY."

PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi, speaking to the Press

The singer’s comment highlights a growing sense of dissatisfaction among some Nigerians with the electoral process. Davido’s platform, combined with his personal connection to Edo State, adds weight to the ongoing conversation about electoral integrity in the country. As the dust settles, many eyes will be on INEC to address the discrepancies raised and to provide clarity on the true outcome of the election.