The Coalition of Observer Groups in Nigeria has warned against alleged plans to manipulate the Edo Central senatorial and Ovia federal constituency by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.
The group said credible reports suggest that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could repeat irregularities witnessed during the September 2024 governorship election in the state.
It said the alleged use of duplicate result sheets and questionable collation practices in 2024 had eroded public trust in the commission.
“We have received worrying indications that similar tactics may be deployed in the upcoming by-elections, with fears that results could be predetermined through the unlawful preparation of duplicate result sheets before collation begins,” the coalition said in a statement signed by Simon Diogu, its convener.
The coalition also raised concerns over the alleged planned deployment of security agencies in a manner that would restrict opposition party agents from accessing collation centres.
It called on the Edo governor, whose home constituency is in Edo Central, to condemn threats reportedly made by his supporters against opposition candidates and to guarantee a peaceful, violence-free poll.
“INEC has both a legal and moral obligation to ensure that the will of the people is not subverted by acts of manipulation or intimidation,” the statement added.
The group said the August 16 by-elections will be a “litmus test” of INEC’s commitment to electoral integrity, warning that the world is watching and public confidence is at stake.