INEC Invites PDP, Other Parties For Inspection Of Sensitive Materials Used For Edo Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invited all political parties and their representatives for inspection of materials and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used in the last governorship election in Edo State.
The Commission in a statement late Tuesday signed by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, dispelled the allegations that he had refused the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) from inspecting materials used in the September 21 gubernatorial election.
The REC unequivocally stated that there was no time he denied any party its rights to inspect the materials.
Describing the allegations as baseless accusations circulated without any evidence or proper engagement with my office, Onuoha urged all stakeholders and the general public to disregard such misinformation.
The statement partly read: "The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used during the recent elections.
"I wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth. INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes."
The REC explained that inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, adding that it is a process the commission is mandated by law to facilitate.
"At no time have I or any official in my office obstructed or denied any political party or their representatives access to inspect the materials used in the last elections. INEC is fully aware of the legal implications of such actions, and we are dedicated to supporting the lawful processes that enable parties to seek redress in the courts.
"In furtherance of this commitment, I wish to inform the public that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, has been formally scheduled to take place tomorrow, October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State.
"All political parties and their representatives are invited to participate in this exercise, as per the legal procedures, to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
“Any political party or candidate seeking to inspect these materials has been and will continue to be granted access, provided they follow the proper procedures as outlined by the Election Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.
"It is, therefore, unfortunate that these baseless accusations have been circulated without any evidence or proper engagement with my office. I urge all stakeholders and the general public to disregard such misinformation. As a Commission, our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law.
“INEC, as an institution, stands for transparency, and we are fully committed to ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair, and accountable. Any party wishing to engage with my office regarding the inspection of materials is encouraged to do so through the appropriate legal channels, and I assure them of our full cooperation."