The Independent National Electoral Commission has revealed that it is yet to receive governorship election results from any of the 18 local government areas in Edo State.
Speaking during a live television interview on Saturday, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Anugbum Onuoha, explained that the election results were still being collated at the ward level and have yet to reach the local government level, where they will be compiled before being sent to the state collation centre.
“I cannot categorically tell you when we will announce the results in the state. As they come, we will announce.
“For now, no results yet,” he emphasized, clarifying that none of the local governments had submitted their results to INEC.
Onuoha also addressed the issue of unverified election results being circulated on social media.
He cautioned the public against taking such information seriously, noting that it is not the responsibility of social media users to announce results.
“I want to correct one thing; those who are publishing results, it is not their duty to announce results,” the REC stated.
He further clarified that he is not the returning officer for the election and reiterated that only the designated returning officer has the legal authority to announce official results.
“INEC has not announced results. I am not even the returning officer for the state. The returning officer will announce the results. But I am surprised with what I see on social media. That is not the correct position of the commission,” he said.
Onuoha urged those disseminating unverified information to desist, stressing that the law clearly defines who is authorized to announce election results.
“No one has the authority to do that. The law is clear on who can announce the results. So, they should stop,” he warned.
