Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Benin City, Edo State
Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has released its preliminary findings on the ongoing Edo State off-cycle governorship elections, highlighting both peaceful voter turnout and logistical challenges that have impacted the electoral process.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, KDI, a civil society organization involved in tracking electoral violence and advocating for peaceful elections, commended the resilience of Edo State citizens who have actively participated in the election despite pre-election tensions. The group also acknowledged the critical role played by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other election staff in maintaining the integrity of the process.
“The commitment of voters, as well as the dedication of NYSC members and other ad-hoc staff, is vital in upholding democracy in Nigeria,” KDI said in a statement.
The statement was delivered by Chris Isiguzor, a faculty member of the Election Day Data Room, during a press briefing. Seated at the high table alongside him were Austine Aigbe and Jide Ojo, both faculty members of the Election Day Data Room.
While the election has been largely peaceful in the early hours, KDI raised concerns about logistical delays in the deployment of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to polling units. The group observed that in several locations, such as Agbado Primary School in Oredo LGA and Model Primary School near Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Ikpoba Okha LGA, delays were caused by the lack of adequate vehicles to transport election materials and staff.
Additionally, heavy downpours across parts of Edo State, including Esan West and Owan West, further delayed the arrival of INEC officials and voting materials. KDI field observers noted that many voters were forced to seek shelter from the rain, causing a delay in the commencement of voting in some areas.
KDI emphasized that logistical issues and weather-related disruptions hinder the electoral process and could lead to misinformation or tension among voters. “These gaps must be addressed to ensure smoother elections in the future,” the organization advised.
In its report, KDI raised alarms over emerging cases of vote buying across the three senatorial districts of Edo State. The organization observed instances of both open and systemic vote buying, with amounts ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦10,000 being exchanged. In certain areas, party agents were seen engaging in electronic transfers of money in exchange for votes.
KDI has called on security agencies, including the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS), to thoroughly investigate these cases. Security personnel were visible across the state, but the lack of security accompanying INEC officials in some areas raised concerns about the protection of ballot boxes.
As the election proceeds, KDI urges INEC to ensure that voters in areas affected by logistical delays are given adequate time to vote, even if polling extends into the night. The group also called on security agencies to remain professional in their duties, particularly during the vote counting process.
KDI’s Election Security Early Warning System (ESEWS), established in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), continues to track potential violence in real-time. The group deployed 431 trained observers across Edo’s 18 local government areas to monitor the election closely and provide live updates.
KDI reiterated its commitment to advocating for a transparent and peaceful electoral process, encouraging all stakeholders—INEC, political parties, security agencies, and voters—to respect the rule of law. The group also urged media outlets to disseminate verified information to counter misinformation that could incite violence.
“Ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights freely and fairly is paramount to the integrity of our democracy,” KDI concluded.