The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo has firmly rejected allegations of obstructing political parties from inspecting election materials and BVAS machines from the recently concluded governorship election.
In an official statement made in Benin, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, described the accusations as baseless, misleading, and completely false. He emphasized that the commission remains dedicated to transparency and integrity in all electoral processes.
Onuoha clarified that the inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of political parties involved in election petitions, a process that INEC is legally mandated to facilitate. He reassured that at no point did INEC deny access for political parties or their representatives to inspect the materials from the recent elections.
In a commitment to uphold democratic principles, Onuoha announced that the inspection of election materials, including BVAS devices, is scheduled for today at the INEC Headquarters in Benin. He invited all political parties and their representatives to participate in this essential exercise to ensure adherence to the rule of law.
Further addressing the allegations, Onuoha urged stakeholders and the public to disregard misinformation and reiterated INEC’s loyalty to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law. He also encouraged parties interested in engaging with his office regarding the inspection of materials to do so through the proper legal channels, affirming INEC’s commitment to a free, fair, and accountable electoral process.
