THE Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (INEC REC) Anubgum Onuoha, has denied complicity in the allegation against him by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that he resisted request to gain access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) inspection before the just-concluded gubernatorial elections in the state.
A statement issued by Onuoha on Tuesday described the PDP allegation as “baseless, misleading and devoid of the truth”.
Onuoha said he never denied any political party, agents or representatives access to the BVAS ahead of the contestation in courts to inspect the BVAS.
He acknowledged that it is the duty of INEC to grant such access anytime the political parties ask for it.
The PDP had accused the INEC in Edo State of refusing to to grant the party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, access to the BVAS machines and other materials used in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election against the order of court.
The allegation was made by the National Publicity Secretary, PDP, Debo Ologunagba.
“Our Party also alerts the public of how compromised INEC officials used the ploy of waiting for “directives from above” to allegedly allow thugs recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some unscrupulous police operatives to invade the INEC office in Edo State so as to cause confusion and frustrate the PDP from accessing these sensitive materials.”
“INEC’s refusal to release the materials is in brazen affront of the Order of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Holden at Benin City, dated 29th day of September, 2024 which ordered the Commission to grant our Party and candidate “unfettered access to and open up for inspection all electoral documents or any document in the custody of the National Chief Electoral Commissioner or any officer of the Commission/1st Respondent, particularly the Voter Registers, Ballot papers, the BVAS machines, Forms EC25B, EC25B(i) Forms EC40A and Forms EC40C which were utilized for the conduct of the Edo State Governorship election held on the 21st September 2024”.
In response, however, Onuaha said political parties interested in challenging the results of the election are free to do so, as the move has already been addressed by the law.
He also invited all political parties, including the PDP to inspect the BVAS on Wednesday.
He said; “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office as the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) for Edo State has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used during the recent elections.
“I used to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading and completely devoid of truth. INEC under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness and integrity in all electoral processes. The inspection of election materials
“The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used during the recent elections.
“I wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth. INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes. The inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, and it is a process that we are mandated by law to facilitate.
“At no time have I or any official in my office obstructed or denied any political party or their representatives access to inspect the materials used in the last elections. 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 to take place tomorrow, October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State. 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.
“Any political party or candidate seeking to inspect these materials has been and will continue to be granted access, provided they follow the proper procedures as outlined by the Election Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.
“It is, therefore, unfortunate that these baseless accusations have been circulated without any evidence or proper engagement 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.
“Any party wishing to engage with my office regarding the inspection of materials is encouraged to do so through the appropriate legal channels, and I assure them of our full cooperation.”