Athena Centre to Conduct Post-Election Audit in Edo State: A Bold Step Towards Curbing Election Rigging in Nigeria
…Deploys 100 Ad-hoc staff and Volunteers – report to be ready before tribunal cases
Building on the success of our widely praised reviews of the Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo gubernatorial elections—recognised for their depth, clarity, and significant impact—the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership is set to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Edo State gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024.
Our previous reviews underscored critical issues while showcasing the potential of technology to transform Nigeria’s electoral landscape. We commend INEC for its efforts in adopting technology, improving visibility, and leading to high compliance with electoral rules in the majority of polling units during the last off-cycle elections. However, more work remains to be done to ensure every vote truly counts.
To enhance transparency, we call on INEC to:
1️⃣ Make the Form EC8B ward collation results available online in real-time.
2️⃣ Ensure BVAS accreditation figures are accessible immediately after voting.
Athena has mobilised 100 ad-hoc staff and volunteers to digitise results from IReV on election night. Our findings will be published just days after the election.
“Our review is the solution to rigging in Nigeria,” said Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre. “We are determined to end malpractice by holding those responsible accountable.”
Edo voters, especially youths—come out and vote! Your voice will count. Be vigilant, shun vote-buying, violence, and hold your electoral officers8 accountable.
