Edo REC denies BVAS allegation, invites PDP for inspection

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Anubgum Onuoha, has vehemently denied the allegations levelled against him by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP accused him of obstructing access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before the recent gubernatorial elections in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Onuoha dismissed the PDP’s claims as “baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth.” He asserted that his office has always facilitated access to election materials as required by law.

“I wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth,” Onuoha stated. “INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes.”

Responding to the accusation that INEC officials delayed access to BVAS machines and other materials, Onuoha said that his office is dedicated to supporting lawful processes for election petitions.

He invited all political parties, including the PDP, to inspect the BVAS devices on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State.

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“The inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, and it is a process that we are mandated by law to facilitate,” Onuoha clarified.

“Any political party or candidate seeking to inspect these materials has been and will continue to be granted access, provided they follow the proper procedures as outlined by the Election Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.”

He concluded by urging stakeholders and the public to disregard the allegations, affirming INEC’s commitment to transparency and adherence to the rule of law in electoral processes.