The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has refuted allegations that it has been obstructing access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, devices used in the recent elections in Edo State.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, addressed these claims,
“I wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth,” Dr. Onuoha stated. “INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes.”
Dr. Onuoha emphasized the legal right of political parties to inspect election materials. “The inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, and it is a process that we are mandated by law to facilitate.”
He further clarified, “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.”
To ensure transparency, Dr. Onuoha announced, “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.”
He encouraged all parties to follow proper procedures for access: “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.”
Dr. Onuoha expressed concern about the spread of misinformation, urging stakeholders and the public to disregard false claims. “It is, therefore, unfortunate that these baseless accusations have been circulated without any evidence or proper engagement with my office,” he stated. “As a Commission, our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law.”
Reiterating INEC’s commitment, he concluded, “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.”
