INEC debunks Ighodalo’s claim of obstructing inspection of BVAS, election materials in Edo
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo has said the allegation that it is not allowing inspection of election materials and BVAS machines used during the recent Edo governorship election is false.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, said in a statement on Wednesday that no political party has been obstructed from inspecting the materials.
This comes after the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, accused INEC of not obeying a court order granting the inspection of election materials.
Onuoha explained that the commission in furtherance to its commitment had fixed Wednesday for the inspection of the materials at its headquarters in Benin.
“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.
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“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,” he said.
Onuoha noted that the inspection of election materials was the fundamental right of all political parties involved in election petitions, adding that it was a process that INEC was mandated by law to facilitate.
He explained that at no time did he or any official in his office obstruct or deny any political party or their representatives access to inspect the materials used in the 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 of 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.