The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed outrage over the alleged refusal of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State to grant the party and its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, access to crucial election materials. These include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, in defiance of a court order.
In a statement issued on Monday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party condemned INEC’s actions, describing them as a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. Ologunagba pointed to a court ruling from the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City, which ordered INEC to allow the PDP and its candidate unfettered access to inspect all electoral documents related to the election.
The PDP spokesman criticized INEC for allegedly using the delay tactic of waiting for “directives from above,” allowing thugs, reportedly recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aided by rogue police operatives, to disrupt the process at the INEC office in Edo State. This, according to the PDP, was part of a scheme to frustrate efforts by the party to inspect sensitive election materials.
Ologunagba stated, “INEC’s refusal to comply with the tribunal’s order is a clear indication of criminal collusion between some INEC officials and the APC to undermine justice and suppress evidence of electoral manipulation.”
The PDP further alleged that compromised INEC officials were collaborating with the APC to alter vital election data, including information stored on the BVAS machines, ballot papers, and other materials, in an effort to favor the defeated APC candidate.
The court order in question, dated September 29, 2024, specifically required INEC to grant access to materials such as voter registers, ballot papers, BVAS machines, and forms EC25B, EC25B(i), EC40A, and EC40C. These materials were used in the conduct of the governorship election.
The PDP’s spokesperson went on to express deep concerns about the growing trend of electoral misconduct involving INEC, accusing the commission of becoming a threat to democracy. “This manipulative and provocative action by INEC and the APC is already causing apprehensions with the possibility of a breakdown of law and order as Nigerians are increasingly getting frustrated with the Commission,” Ologunagba warned.
The PDP called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to take immediate steps to redeem the commission’s image by ensuring compliance with the tribunal’s order. Ologunagba stressed that the BVAS machines, results sheets, and other vital materials must be made available for inspection to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He concluded, “INEC and the APC must know that there is no way the PDP and the people of Edo State will allow the mandate freely given to our Party and candidate to be illegally transferred to the APC, which was defeated at the election.”
The PDP’s statement reflects increasing tension over the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, as legal and political battles continue to unfold. The party remains adamant that it will not allow any manipulation of the election results and insists on transparency and fairness in the process.
Keywords: PDP, INEC, Edo State, BVAS machines, election materials, court order, APC, governorship election, electoral manipulation, Asue Ighodalo