Kehinde Fajobi
Six political parties involved in the September 21 Edo State governorship election have reached a consensus to postpone the joint inspection of electoral materials until Monday, October 14, 2024.
This decision comes after disagreements between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalled the initial process, which was meant to begin on Wednesday.
The tribunal had ordered the inspection to be completed by Friday, but conflicting views from the two main parties prevented progress.
The PDP argued that the inspection should begin with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, while the APC insisted that it should follow the tribunal’s directive to start with the voters’ register.
Due to the delay, representatives from six political parties held a meeting and agreed to push the inspection to Monday.
In a joint statement, the parties explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to begin the process as expected on Friday, prompting the rescheduling.
The statement read:
“Political parties that participated in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State have resolved to adjourn the joint inspection of election materials at INEC’s office in Benin City to Monday, October 14, 2024, at 11 a.m., after INEC failed to organise the exercise today.”
The resolution was signed by representatives of the involved political parties, including Obodeje Oghorin, counsel to the Action People’s Party (APP); Kenny Isokpan, Chairman of the BOOT Party; Osahon Obamogie of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP); Sylvester Ugberase, counsel to the Allied Action Party (AAP); and Dr. Bishop Akahaime from Zenith Party. Additionally, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, Edo State Chairman of the APC, and Victor Ohiosuma, counsel to the APC, also endorsed the statement.
In a related development, INEC has dismissed accusations made by the APC that the PDP had tampered with sensitive electoral materials. The APC had claimed that BVAS machines and voters’ registers were smuggled into INEC’s office in Benin by PDP members.
Responding to these allegations, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, released a statement on Friday refuting the claims. He clarified that an internal investigation found no evidence to support the accusations.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission in Edo State has conducted a thorough investigation into the claims made by the All Progressives Congress regarding the alleged smuggling of BVAS machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party,” Onuoha said.
He continued, “After a comprehensive review, we have found that these allegations are entirely baseless and without any merit. INEC remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, and there has been no compromise or unlawful access to the BVAS machines or voters’ registers by any political party or external entity.”
Onuoha emphasised that the seriousness of such allegations required a meticulous investigation, which INEC conducted with impartiality. He added that the electoral body remains focused on ensuring that the inspection of materials, as directed by the court, is carried out transparently and within the bounds of the law.
“We understand the significance of these claims, which is why we conducted a rigorous investigation. INEC is fully committed to upholding free, fair, and credible elections. We will not tolerate any form of malpractice, and the integrity of the electoral materials remains intact,” Onuoha affirmed.
He further stated that INEC was prepared to comply with the tribunal’s order for the inspection of the BVAS machines and voters’ registers. He called on all political actors to act responsibly and refrain from actions that could damage public trust in the electoral process.
“Our commitment to neutrality and transparency in electoral administration is unwavering,” Onuoha concluded. “INEC will continue to play its part in preserving democracy and the rule of law, not just in Edo State, but across the nation.”
The inspection is now set to commence on Monday, with the participation of all six political parties.