Edo guber: INEC bows to pressure, grants Ighodalo access to election materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted access to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo and his legal team to inspect election materials and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used in the last Edo State governorship election.

This decision follows public protests by members of the PDP and the intense pressure and legal efforts by Ighodalo’s team to challenge the election results, which they claim were manipulated.

It will be recalled that the PDP camp alleged that INEC refused earlier attempts by Ighodalo to inspect the BVAS machines used during the September 21st governorship election, despite being served with a court order.

In a letter dated October 8, 2024, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr Anugbom Onuoha, refuted the allegations that the commission refused access to these critical materials.

He emphasised that INEC remains 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 INEC Headquarters in Edo State.

This latest development is seen as a significant boost for Ighodalo, who has maintained that only through full disclosure and an examination of the election materials can the integrity of the process be restored.

The inspection of the materials, it is believed, will help Ighodalo’s legal team file an election petition ahead of the Saturday deadline.

Speaking on this development, State Chairman of the 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.

He said, “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.”

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