The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has strongly refuted claims that it obstructed any political party from inspecting election materials, including the BVAS machines, used during the recently concluded governorship election. The allegations, which surfaced after the election, implied that INEC failed to comply with a court order allowing political parties access to inspect the materials, leading to widespread speculations about the transparency of the electoral process.
In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday in Benin, the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, made it clear that the accusations were entirely unfounded. According to Onuoha, the claims that INEC had deliberately blocked the inspection of election materials were misleading and without any basis in fact. He emphasized that INEC remains fully committed to ensuring transparency in the electoral process, as the inspection of election materials is a crucial part of post-election procedures.
The controversy began when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, accused INEC of ignoring a court order that granted them permission to inspect election materials. The party claimed that despite the court’s directive, INEC failed to facilitate the inspection as required by law. In response, Dr. Onuoha clarified that the commission had, in fact, scheduled the inspection of materials for Wednesday at INEC’s state headquarters in Benin, following legal procedures. This step was part of INEC’s continued effort to maintain openness in the election process and ensure that all parties involved have the opportunity to inspect materials used in the election.
Onuoha stated: “The attention of INEC and my office has been drawn to unfounded claims suggesting that political parties and their representatives have been denied access to inspect the BVAS devices and other election materials. We want to categorically state that these allegations are not true. They are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of any facts. INEC, under my leadership in Edo, is fully committed to the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity in every step of the electoral process.”
He further explained that the inspection of election materials is the legal right of all political parties involved in any post-election litigation. This right is enshrined in the law, and INEC is obligated to facilitate the process. Onuoha assured that neither he nor any official from his office had ever obstructed or denied access to any political party or its representatives regarding the inspection of the materials used in the election. The REC reiterated that INEC is well aware of the legal consequences of such actions and would not undermine the legal framework designed to resolve election disputes.
INEC’s dedication to supporting the legal process was further highlighted by Onuoha, who noted that the commission remains committed to ensuring that the inspection process is carried out in a manner that upholds the rule of law. He assured the public and political parties that the scheduled inspection would proceed as planned, allowing all interested parties to verify the materials used during the election. The REC also extended an open invitation to political parties and their representatives to participate in the inspection, which he said was arranged in line with legal requirements to ensure transparency and accountability in the election process.
Onuoha also addressed the accusations that INEC had refused to engage with the political parties. He expressed disappointment over the spread of what he described as “baseless” accusations, especially without any attempt by those making the allegations to directly engage with INEC. “It is unfortunate that these false accusations are being circulated without any concrete evidence or proper engagement with my office,” he said. He went on to urge all stakeholders, including the general public, to disregard such misleading information. He assured that INEC’s commitment to the people of Nigeria and the principles of the Constitution remains unwavering.
As an institution responsible for overseeing the election process, INEC, according to Onuoha, stands firmly for transparency and fairness. He reiterated that INEC’s role is to ensure that every election is conducted in a manner that is free, fair, and transparent. The REC also encouraged any political party or candidate that wishes to inspect the election materials to follow the proper legal channels and procedures, as set out by the election tribunal and relevant laws.
Onuoha reaffirmed INEC’s loyalty to the Nigerian people and the electoral process, assuring that the commission will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity. He called on all political actors and stakeholders to focus on the proper legal mechanisms for addressing any grievances, rather than resorting to misinformation and baseless claims. INEC, he said, will always be committed to ensuring that the electoral process is open, transparent, and accountable to all Nigerians.
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