For the second consecutive day, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has denied the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, access to the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) machines and other materials used during the September 21 governorship election.
On September 29, the Election Tribunal, chaired by Justice W. Kpoc, granted the PDP and Ighodalo permission to inspect these materials.
Despite this, INEC has not complied, prompting concerns from the party.
Read Also: Tribunal Grants PDP’s Request To Inspect Election Materials Concerning Edo Governorship Election
On Monday, the PDP’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olusegun Jolaawo, visited INEC’s headquarters in Benin City to inspect the BVAS machines, voters register, ballot papers, and other election materials to support their petition against the alleged rigging.
Despite presenting the court order, INEC officials refused to grant access to the materials, citing the need for approval from Abuja.
The team was asked to return on Tuesday but was again denied access.
In response, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, accused INEC of deliberately stalling the process in collaboration with the APC to obstruct justice and prevent the PDP from filing its petition before the Saturday deadline.
Nehikhare further alleged that the APC was plotting to burn down INEC’s office to destroy the BVAS machines and other electoral materials, thereby eliminating evidence of electoral fraud.
He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to exposing the alleged election malpractice and regaining the mandate, which he claimed was rightfully given to the party by the people of Edo State.
Nehikhare called on the police to safeguard the INEC office, prevent any attacks, and ensure that the court order allowing the PDP to inspect the election materials is enforced.
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