The Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC) of Cross River State has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a 24‑hour ultimatum to permit political parties to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines in the state. In a statement read at a press conference by state chairman Anthony Bissong, the umbrella body representing the 18 registered parties warned that elections would not be held if the inspection were denied.
“We give the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner 24 hours to allow political parties to inspect the BVAS and to take a full record of the IMEI numbers of the 3,281 machines, in order to restore confidence in the commission,” Bissong said. He also called on the INEC National Chairman to authorize a thorough investigation of the commission’s activities in Cross River State.
In addition, Bissong demanded the redeployment of State Police Commissioner Sule Balarabe and DCP Operations Frank Idu ahead of the elections. “We want the next CP, upon resumption of duty, to effect a comprehensive reshuffling of Divisional Police Officers across the state, especially in Cross River North, which has become a major flashpoint of political violence.”
Responding to the demand, the Commissioner of Police affirmed his impartiality, stating, “I have no ill intention about anybody in Cross River. I will remain impartial in the discharge of my duties and maintain professionalism in all my activities.”
IPAC also urged the 18 political parties to intensify their campaigns, conduct themselves civilly, and demonstrate high‑level sportsmanship after the elections. “We urge citizens to heighten their vigilance over the process leading to the next election, as the Osun State Tribunal ruling has clearly shown that human influence can compromise elections despite the use of technology,” Bissong added.
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