The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised serious allegations against three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing them of conspiring with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the forthcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, the APC outlined their concerns regarding the conduct of the three INEC staff members: Mr. Inoyengieni Frank Ogbise, Head of Operations for Edo State; Mr. Lawrence Akan, Head of ICT; and Ms. Blessing Suleman, Electoral Officer for Akoko Edo Local Government Area.
Key Allegations:
- Mr. Inoyengieni Frank Ogbise:
- The APC claims Ogbise has been recruiting non-Edo INEC staff to support the PDP during the election.
- Allegedly involved in accommodating these staff at a hotel owned by PDP’s campaign Director General, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyemkewen.
- There are accusations that Ogbise has relocated his family to Canada, possibly in anticipation of leaving the country post-election.
- Mr. Lawrence Akan:
- The Head of ICT is accused of distributing money to INEC staff, reportedly from the PDP, and instructing them to support the PDP.
- Akan was also reportedly seen at the same hotel associated with the PDP campaign.
- Ms. Blessing Suleman:
- The APC alleges that Suleman collaborated with the PDP unit chairman in Akoko Edo to withhold Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from eligible voters.
- The claim is that Suleman handed over PVCs to the PDP chairman, preventing registered voters from collecting them.
The APC has called for the immediate relocation of these officials to ensure the integrity of the election process. They expressed a loss of confidence in the ability of these staff members to oversee a fair and transparent election.
The letter further urges INEC to address these concerns to restore trust and ensure that the election is conducted impartially.