BREAKING: Thousands of Women Dressed in Black Stage Massive Protest Over Edo Election

Thousands of women, dressed in black, marched through the streets of Benin City today in a large-scale protest, calling for the restoration of the mandate they believe rightfully belongs to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie in the recent Edo governorship election.

Chanting slogans like “Justice for Edo!” and “Let our votes count,” the protesters accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating the election results and claimed there was collusion with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to alter the outcome.One of the protest organizers, speaking to the press, emphasized that the demonstration was peaceful, focused solely on seeking justice. “We, the women of Edo, are not here to create violence. We are here for justice.

Our votes were for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, and we won’t let our democracy be stolen,” she stated.The peaceful protest, which included women from various parts of Edo State, caused significant disruptions in Benin City as they blocked key roads on their way to the INEC office, demanding immediate compliance with a court order to release all election materials for inspection.Mrs. Iwinosa Aikhomu, another participant, expressed the protesters’ determination, saying, “This is our state, and we won’t allow anyone to take our future from us.

INEC must abide by the law, and APC must respect the people’s will.”This demonstration follows ongoing political tensions, with the PDP accusing INEC of failing to release key electoral materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, despite a court ruling in their favor after the September 21, 2024, election.The women vowed to continue protesting until the rightful winners are acknowledged.

They also urged the international community to intervene, warning that ignoring the will of the people could lead to further unrest.Mrs. Josephine Osagie, a marketwoman from Ekpoma, added, “The world needs to be aware of what’s happening in Edo State.”Today’s protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations across Edo State since the election results were announced, as supporters of Ighodalo and Ogie continue to demand transparency and fairness, accusing INEC and the APC of trying to undermine democracy.