The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its readiness to facilitate the inspection of materials used in the recent Edo State governorship election. This statement comes in response to allegations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had smuggled Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voters’ registers into INEC’s office to manipulate the election results.
In a statement on Friday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, dismissed these allegations as baseless and unsubstantiated. “Following a comprehensive review of the allegations, it has been determined that they are entirely without merit,” he stated.
Onuoha emphasized INEC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, asserting that there had been no compromise or unlawful access to BVAS machines or voters’ registers by any political party or external entity.
“INEC will not tolerate any form of malpractice or manipulation,” he reiterated, confirming that the integrity of all electoral materials remains intact. He noted that the commission is in compliance with a recent court order that mandates the inspection of electoral materials, including BVAS machines and voters’ registers.
“We are prepared to facilitate this inspection process, ensuring transparency and adherence to the rule of law. We urge all parties to cooperate fully during this process,” Onuoha added.
He also called on political actors to focus on the democratic principles that unite them and INEC, discouraging actions or rhetoric that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system. “INEC’s commitment to neutrality and excellence in electoral administration remains unwavering, and we will continue to work towards preserving democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria at large,” he concluded.
