AGAIN, INEC Clears the Air on Alleged BVAS Smuggling in Edo State
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Edo State has thoroughly investigated allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the smuggling of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). After conducting a comprehensive review, INEC has found these allegations to be baseless, unsubstantiated, and entirely without merit.
According to Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, INEC maintains its commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The investigation was conducted with rigor and impartiality, and at no time were the BVAS machines or voters’ registers compromised or unlawfully accessed by any political party or external entity.
INEC is now in full compliance with the recent court order directing the inspection of electoral materials, including BVAS machines and voters’ registers. The commission is prepared to facilitate this inspection process, ensuring transparency and adherence to the rule of law. All parties are urged to cooperate fully during this process.
The electoral body appealed to political actors to focus on democratic principles and avoid actions or rhetoric that may undermine public confidence in the electoral system. INEC remains committed to neutrality and excellence in electoral administration, working towards preserving democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria.
