The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Anubgum Onuoha, has categorically denied accusations from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claiming he obstructed access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the recent gubernatorial elections in the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Onuoha labeled the allegations as “baseless, misleading, and devoid of truth.”
He emphasized that he never denied any political party, agents, or representatives the opportunity to inspect the BVAS machines prior to the election contestations.
The controversy erupted after the PDP accused INEC of blocking access to the BVAS machines and other materials used during the gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024. The party’s claims were articulated by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who alleged that the commission’s actions contravened a court order mandating access.
“Our Party also alerts the public to how compromised INEC officials allegedly used the excuse of waiting for ‘directives from above’ to allow thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some unscrupulous police operatives to invade the INEC office in Edo State,” Ologunagba stated. “This was done to confuse and frustrate the PDP from accessing these sensitive materials.”
He continued, “INEC’s refusal to release the materials is a brazen affront to the Order of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which mandated that our party and candidate be granted ‘unfettered access’ to inspect all electoral documents, including Voter Registers and BVAS machines.”
In response, Onuoha reiterated that any political party interested in challenging election results is welcome to do so through legal channels. He invited all political parties, including the PDP, to inspect the BVAS on Wednesday.
“The attention of INEC and my office has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties access to inspect the BVAS devices and other election materials used during the recent elections,” Onuoha stated. “I categorically state that these allegations are baseless and misleading. INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes.”
He continued, “The inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, and it is a process we are mandated by law to facilitate. At no time have I or any official obstructed access to inspect the materials used in the last elections.”
Onuoha announced that the inspection of election materials, including the BVAS devices, is scheduled for October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State. He invited all political parties and their representatives to participate in this exercise to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
“It is unfortunate that these baseless accusations have circulated without evidence or proper engagement with my office,” he added. “I urge all stakeholders and the public to disregard such misinformation. Our loyalty remains with the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law. INEC stands for transparency, and we are fully committed to ensuring a free, fair, and accountable electoral process.”
He concluded by encouraging any political party or candidate seeking to inspect these materials to follow the proper legal procedures and assured them of INEC’s full cooperation.