The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed charges by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s alleged smuggling of Bimodal Voter Verification System, BVAS, equipment and voter lists to INEC headquarters. member.
In a statement issued on Friday, REC Edo State Electoral Commissioner Dr. Anugbam Onuoha quoted INEC as saying the commission had conducted a comprehensive investigation and found the allegations to be baseless and without evidence. It was confirmed that there was a shortage of
Naija News reports that the APC raised the allegations during the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
Recall that the party ultimately won over the PDP in a highly contested poll.
However, in response to the APC allegations, INEC reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
It insisted that BVAS equipment and voter lists had never been tampered with or illegally accessed by any political party or outside group.
“The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has responded to allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the alleged smuggling of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voter registers to INEC. A thorough investigation has been completed.This is an office run by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“After a comprehensive review of the allegations, we have found them to be unsubstantiated, unsubstantiated and completely without merit.
“INEC remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and at no time has BVAS machines or voter registers been compromised or illegally accessed by political parties or external parties.
“The investigation was conducted with the utmost rigor and impartiality because we fully understand the seriousness of these allegations. As a responsible institution, INEC does not tolerate any fraud or tampering and the integrity of all election materials remains completely intact.
“Given these findings, we are in full compliance with the recent court order directing the inspection of BVAS machines and election materials, including voter rolls.
“INEC stands ready to facilitate this inspection process, ensuring transparency and compliance with the rule of law. We urge all parties to cooperate fully during this process. We appeal to all political actors to focus on the democratic principles that bind us and avoid unyielding actions and rhetoric, working towards the maintenance of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. We will continue our efforts,” he said in a statement. .
