The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Anugumu Onuoha, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party of obstructing access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before 2016. (PDP) categorically denied the accusations. The recent gubernatorial election.
Onuoha said in a statement Tuesday that the allegations are “baseless, misleading and devoid of truth.”
He stressed that he had never denied any political party, agent or representative the opportunity to inspect the BVAS machinery before legal disputes over elections.
The controversy comes after the PDP accused INEC of refusing to allow the party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, access to the BVAS machine and other materials during the September 21, 2024 governorship election. arose later.
PDP’s claims were voiced by the party’s National Public Relations Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who suggested that the commission’s actions were contrary to court orders mandating such access.
He said: “Our party also wants to show how INEC officials compromised to allow thugs hired by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some unscrupulous police operatives to enter INEC offices. “We will also warn the people whether they used the ploy of waiting for “instructions from above.” Edo State creates chaos and prevents the PDP from accessing these sensitive materials.
“INEC’s refusal to release the materials is an act that is a disgrace to the Benin City Holden Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal order dated September 29, 2024, and that the commission has given our party and candidates “free access”. and ordered that it be made public. All election documents or any documents in the custody of the National Chief Electoral Commissioner or any officer of the Commission/First Respondent, in particular voter registers, ballot papers, BVAS machines, Forms EC25B, EC25B(i) Forms EC40A and The EC40C form used for the conduct of the Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024. ”
However, Onuaha said in response that the move was already enshrined in law and any political party interested in contesting the election results was free to do so.
He also invited all political parties, including the PDP, to tour the BVAS on Wednesday.
He said: “It has come to the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office as the Edo State Resident Electoral Commission (REC) that I have denied political parties and their representatives access to election investigations. “We are focusing on certain unsubstantiated claims that suggest that this is the case.” Biomodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used in recent elections.
“I have previously declared that these allegations are baseless, misleading and without any truth to them. Under my leadership in Edo State, INEC has maintained the highest standards of transparency in all electoral processes. We remain committed to maintaining integrity, fairness, and integrity in the examination of election materials.
“It has been brought to the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Edo State that I have no access to bimodal voter certification testing by political parties and their representatives. Certain unsubstantiated claims have been brought to our attention suggesting that the system (BVAS) used during recent elections and other election materials.
“I would like to state that these allegations are baseless, misleading and completely devoid of truth. INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, is committed to ensuring the highest standards of transparency and transparency in all electoral processes. We remain committed to fairness and integrity. Access to election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions and a process that we are required by law to facilitate.
“At no time have I or anyone in my office interfered with or denied access to materials used in previous elections by political parties or their representatives. We are fully aware of the implications and are dedicated to supporting legal processes that enable parties to seek redress in court.
“In furtherance of this commitment, we would like to inform the public that the inspection of election materials, including BVAS equipment, is scheduled to take place officially at INEC Headquarters in Tokyo tomorrow, October 9, 2024, from 10am. ” Edo state. All political parties and their representatives are invited to participate in this exercise in accordance with legal procedures to ensure transparency and compliance with the rule of law.
“Political parties and candidates wishing to view these materials have been and will continue to be granted access, provided they follow the appropriate procedures outlined by the Electoral Tribunal and the relevant legal framework.
“It is therefore unfortunate that these baseless accusations have been spread without any evidence or proper engagement with my office.
“We urge all stakeholders and the public to ignore such misinformation.As a commission, we remain loyal to the Nigerian people, the Constitution and the rule of law.
“As an institution, INEC values transparency and is committed to ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair and accountable.
“Parties wishing to engage with my office regarding inspection of materials are encouraged to do so through appropriate legal channels, and we assure you of our full cooperation.”
