Edo guber: INEC bows to pressure, agrees to election materials inspection

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has agreed to allow the inspection of the election materials and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used in the contentious Edo State governorship election.

This decision came amid public protests by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

DAILY POST recalls that an earlier move by the legal team to the PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo to inspect the materials were scuttled.

However, in a letter dated October 8, 2024, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Anugbom Onuoha, refuted earlier allegations that the Commission had refused access to the critical materials.

He emphasised that INEC remained committed to transparency and integrity in the electoral process and assured that the inspection is scheduled for October 9, 2024, at 10:00 am, at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State.

Speaking on the development, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Anthony Aziegbemin, called it “a win for democracy and the rule of law,” while thanking the people of Edo State for their steadfast support.

“I want to thank all those who came out to protest in support of Ighodalo’s quest to reclaim his stolen mandate.

“While I have lost faith in the police and INEC, who I believe colluded with the APC to steal the election, I have absolute confidence in the judiciary.

“They will do right by the people of Edo State and uphold their decision to elect Asue as their governor.”