The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo has refuted claims of hindering any political party from inspecting the election materials and BVAS machines used in the recent governorship election.
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, in a statement issued in Benin on Wednesday, described the allegations of obstruction as misleading and false.
“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” he asserted.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) earlier reported that the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, accused INEC of failing to comply with a court order allowing the inspection of the election materials.
Onuoha clarified that the commission had scheduled a time for the inspection of the materials at its headquarters in Benin.
He also announced that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, was officially scheduled for Wednesday at INEC Headquarters in Benin, inviting all political parties and their representatives to participate in accordance with legal protocols to ensure transparency.
“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.
He assured that political parties and candidates would have unfettered access to inspect the materials as long as they adhered to the proper procedures set by the election petition tribunal and relevant legal guidelines.
Onuoha reiterated INEC’s dedication to transparency and accountability in the electoral process and encouraged parties wishing to communicate with his office regarding the inspection to do so through the appropriate legal channels, assuring them of his full cooperation.
