Tensions Rise in Edo State as INEC Denies PDP Access to Election Materials

In a fresh development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has refused to grant the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, access to the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) machine and other materials used during the September 21 governorship election.

The PDP’s legal team, led by Olusegun Jolaawo (SAN), visited the INEC office on Tuesday, presenting a court order to INEC officials. However, despite the court order, they were denied access to the electoral materials.

Reacting to the development, Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, described INEC’s actions as a deliberate ploy, accusing the commission of colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to frustrate the PDP’s legal challenge against the outcome of the election.

“We are aware that this clandestine game plan is aimed at frustrating the PDP’s appeal and preventing the petition from being filed before the Saturday deadline,” Nehikhare stated.

Nehikhare also accused the APC of planning to burn down the INEC office in order to destroy the BVAS machines and other election materials, which he claimed contained evidence of electoral fraud.

Despite these challenges, Nehikhare assured party members that the PDP would not relent in its efforts to expose the alleged electoral malpractice and recover the mandate they believe was given to them by the people of Edo State during the September 21 governorship poll.

The PDP has called on the Nigeria Police Force to secure the INEC office, prevent any potential attack, and ensure that the court order allowing the inspection of election materials is enforced.

The PDP’s legal team had previously visited the INEC headquarters in Benin City on Monday to inspect the BVAS machines, voter registers, ballot papers, and other election materials. However, despite presenting a court order, they were denied access.

The court order, dated September 29, 2024, and signed by the Secretary of the Tribunal, Mu’azu Bagudu, and the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice W. I. Kpochi, had directed INEC to provide the PDP and Ighodalo with a comprehensive list of electoral materials and allow them to take Certified True Copies of the documents.

The ongoing standoff between the PDP and INEC has raised concerns about the transparency and credibility of the electoral process in Edo State. As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely watching the developments in the state.