- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied alleged collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in smuggling Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Edo governorship election.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Edo state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, in reaction to the allegation laid against the electoral body by the All Progressive Congress (APC).
According to the statement, APC had alleged purported smuggling of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
INEC, however denied the claim, labelling it as baseless, unsubstantiated, and without merit following investigation into the allegations.
The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment upholding the integrity of the electoral process while stressing that the BVAS machines or voters’ registers were never compromised or unlawfully accessed by any political party or external entity.
The statement read in part; “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Edo State, has concluded its thorough investigation into the allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the purported smuggling of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Following a comprehensive review of the allegations, it has been determined that the allegations are baseless, unsubstantiated, and entirely without merit.
“INEC maintains a steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, and at no time were the BVAS machines or voters’ registers compromised or unlawfully accessed by any political party or external entity.
“We fully understand the gravity of such claims, which is why the investigation was conducted with the utmost rigor and impartiality.
“As an institution charged with the sacred responsibility of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, INEC will not tolerate any form of malpractice or manipulation, and the integrity of all electoral materials remains fully intact.
“In light of these findings, we are in full compliance with the recent court order directing the inspection of electoral materials, including the BVAS machines and voters’ registers.
“INEC is prepared to facilitate this inspection process, ensuring transparency and adherence to the rule of law. We urge all parties to cooperate fully during this process.
“We appeal to all political actors to focus on the democratic principles that bind us and avoid actions or rhetoric that may undermine public confidence in our electoral system.
“INEC’s commitment to neutrality and excellence in electoral administration remains unwavering, and we will continue to work towards the preservation of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria at large.”