Edo 2024: Ighodalo Accuses Edo REC of Misleading the Public As INEC, PDP Bicker Over Inspection of Election Materials

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The Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) has punctured the claim by the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, that he never denied the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) access to essential electoral materials, describing it as misleading and a clear disregard for transparency and accountability within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Dr. Onuoha had in reaction to the PDP’s allegation, insisted in a statement on Tuesday that at no time was any political party or their representatives denied access to inspect election materials, stating that INEC was well aware of the legal obligations regarding the inspection process and remained dedicated to supporting the judicial procedures required for parties to seek redress.

However, in a statement in Benin City on Wednesday signed by Erhabor Emokpae, TAMO insisted, “We categorically confirm that our application to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other critical electoral materials was submitted over ten days ago. It is unacceptable that we are now only being ‘permitted’ to receive Certified True Copies (CTCs) of these materials just two days before the statutory deadline to file our case. This delay is not only a violation of our rights as a major stakeholder but also a direct threat to the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State. As the saying goes, ‘conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it’”

TAMO further condemned the REC’s assertion that the PDP had fabricated its narrative, calling it a deliberate attempt to intimidate and obstruct their pursuit of justice.

According to TAMO, “Such statements reflect not just a failure of leadership but an alarming tendency to suppress the truth and mislead the public.

“We urge the REC to acknowledge this procedural negligence and recognize the critical importance of ensuring access to electoral materials for all parties involved. Transparency is the foundation of any democratic process, and a failure to uphold this principle undermines not only INEC’s credibility but also public trust in the entire electoral system. In the end, history will vindicate the just”.

Recall that INEC had on Monday dismissed allegations by the PDP that it denied access to inspect Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used in the contentious September 21 governorship election.
In a statement by Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, the commission described the claims as “baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth”, and emphasised INEC’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes, particularly regarding election petitions.

Noting that “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 posited that there had been no obstruction from his office or any official under his leadership.

He insisted that at no time was any political party or their representatives denied access to inspect election materials, stating that INEC was well aware of the legal obligations regarding the inspection process and remained dedicated to supporting the judicial procedures required for parties to seek redress.

Onuoha said in furtherance of INEC’s commitment to the lawful and transparent handling of election matters, formal inspection of the election materials, including BVAS devices, had been scheduled to take place on October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State.

He reassured the public that any party or candidate wishing to inspect the materials would be granted access, provided they followed the correct legal procedures as outlined by the Election Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.

According to the REC, “All political parties and their representatives are invited to participate in this exercise, as per the legal procedures, to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

“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”.

Onuoha however expressed disappointment at the widespread allegations levelled against it without proper engagement with INEC’s Edo State office and called on stakeholders and the general public to disregard the misinformation, which he described as “unfortunate” and lacking any supporting evidence.

Reiterating INEC’s commitment to upholding its integrity, Dr. Onuoha submitted that “As a Commission, our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law,” noting that the Commission’s operations were guided by transparency, fairness, and accountability. He urged any party wishing to engage with his office regarding the inspection of election materials to do so through the appropriate legal channels, pledging his full cooperation.