The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo has refuted claims of hindering any political party from examining the election materials and BVAS machines utilized in the recently concluded governorship election.
In a statement issued in Benin on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, characterized the allegations regarding the obstruction of material inspection as unfounded, misleading, and lacking in veracity.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, had accused INEC of failing to comply with a court order that permitted the inspection of the election materials.
Dr. Onuoha clarified that, in line with its commitment, the commission had scheduled Wednesday for the inspection of the materials at its headquarters in Benin.
He said, “The attention of INEC and my office has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the BVAS devices and other election materials used during the recent elections.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth.
“INEC under my leadership in Edo, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity of all electoral processes.”
Onuoha further noted that the examination of election materials constitutes a fundamental right for all political parties engaged in election petitions, further stating that it is a process that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is legally obligated to support.
He clarified that neither he nor any official within his office ever hindered or refused any political party or their representatives the opportunity to inspect the materials utilized in the most recent election.
“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.
“In furtherance of this commitment, I wish to inform the public that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, has been formally scheduled for Wednesday (Today), at the INEC Headquarters in Benin.
“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 added.
He guaranteed that political parties and their candidates would be granted unrestricted access to inspect the materials, provided they adhere to the appropriate procedures established by the election petition tribunal and applicable legal frameworks.
He expressed that it is regrettable that these unfounded allegations have been disseminated without any supporting evidence or adequate communication with my office.
“I urge all stakeholders and the general public to disregard such misinformation. As a Commission, our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law.
“INEC as an institution, stands for transparency, and we are fully committed to ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair, and accountable,” the REC noted, urging parties wishing to engage with his office regarding the inspection of materials to do so through the appropriate legal channels.
