Six political parties that took part in the Edo State governorship election on September 21 have agreed to jointly inspect the electoral materials despite the Friday deadline given by the tribunal.
The inspection which was supposed to begin on Wednesday hit a brick wall as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party that got the tribunal order to inspect the material clashed over the process of the inspection.
The PDP has said the inspection should begin with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines, while the APC stated that the material should begin with the voters’ register as ordered by the tribunal.
The joint statement by the political parties noted that the “inability” of the Independent National Electoral Commission to commence the inspection today, October 11, 2024, necessitated the postponement.
The statement reads, “Political parties that participated in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, on Friday resolved to adjourn the tribunal ordering a joint inspection of election materials at the Benin City office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to Monday, October 14, 2024, by 11 am.
“The parties took the decision after a joint meeting after INEC failed to organize the exercise on Friday.
“The resolution was signed by representatives of six political parties that participated in the election that was won by Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“The representatives are: Obodeje Oghorin, counsel to APP; Kenny Isokpan, Chairman BOOT party; Osahon Obamogie, NNPP; Sylvester Ugberase, counsel to AAP; and Dr. Bishop Akahaime, of Zenith party. Others are Emperor Jarret Tenebe, of Edo State chairman of All Progressives Congress and Victor Ohiosuma, counsel to APC.”
Meanwhile, INEC on Friday said that the APC allegation that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines and voters’ registers were smuggled into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party is baseless.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, who noted this in a statement, also said that the allegation could not be substantiated and lacked merit.
The statement read, “The Independent National Electoral Commission, Edo State, has concluded its thorough investigation into the allegations made by the All Progressives Congress regarding the purported smuggling of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Following a comprehensive review of the allegations, it has been determined that the allegations are baseless, unsubstantiated, and entirely without merit.
“INEC maintains a steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, and at no time were the BVAS machines or voters’ registers compromised or unlawfully accessed by any political party or external entity.”
“We fully understand the gravity of such claims, which is why the investigation was conducted with the utmost rigour and impartiality. As an institution charged with the sacred responsibility of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, INEC will not tolerate any form of malpractice or manipulation, and the integrity of all electoral materials remains fully intact.
“In light of these findings, we are in full compliance with the recent court order directing the inspection of electoral materials, including the BVAS machines and voters’ registers.
“INEC is prepared to facilitate this inspection process, ensuring transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
“We appeal to all political actors to focus on the democratic principles that bind us and avoid actions or rhetoric that may undermine public confidence in our electoral system.
“INEC’s commitment to neutrality and excellence in electoral administration remains unwavering, and we will continue to work towards the preservation of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria at large,” it added.
Read the full article here
