Edo Poll: INEC Bows To Pressure, Grants Ighodalo Access To Election Materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted the request of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the just conducted Edo State governorship elections, Asue Ighodalo, and his legal team to inspect election materials and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used in the voting exercise.

This decision by INEC came after public protests by members of the PDP amid pressure and legal battles by Ighodalo’s team to challenge the outcome of the election, which they claimed to have been manipulated.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the PDP had alleged that INEC refused earlier attempts by Ighodalo to inspect the BVAS machines used during the September 21 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.

Onuoha maintained 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 INEC headquarters in the state.

Ighodalo sees this development as a major advantage, as he has consistently emphasised that transparency and a thorough review of the election materials were essential to restore the integrity of the process.

It is believed that examining the materials will assist Ighodalo’s legal team in submitting an election petition before the Saturday deadline.

Speaking on this development, the 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.”