Edo Election: Anger on Social Media as APC Thugs, Police Prevent PDP Officials from Inspecting BVAS

There is currently outrage on social media as supporters and officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have been prevented by All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs and police officers to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City.

This comes barely two weeks after the controversial Edo governorship election.

The PDP, armed with a valid court order, arrived at the INEC office early Monday morning, prepared to inspect the BVAS machines.

However, party officials were blocked by armed thugs and police officers, further escalating tensions between the two major political parties.

A senior PDP official, who was among those leading the inspection team, said: “We came here with a valid court order to inspect the BVAS machines, but APC thugs and police officers have surrounded the place and are not allowing us entry.

“This is a blatant disregard for the rule of law, and it raises serious concerns about the transparency of this election.”

The situation quickly spilled over to social media, where the hashtag #BVASInspectionNow began trending as PDP supporters and concerned citizens took to platforms like Twitter to voice their anger.

The online uproar featured a flood of posts accusing the APC of undermining democracy in Edo State.

“We won’t be silenced! The court said inspect the BVAS machines, but APC thugs are saying NO! This is an attack on democracy,” one user tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many others.

Another post read, “A court order is being ignored. This is an attack on democracy!”

Others called on INEC to intervene and enforce the court order, with tweets like, “INEC, where are you? We have a court order to inspect BVAS, but we’re being blocked! Democracy dies when transparency is denied. #BVASInspectionNow.”

Civil society groups and election observers have also weighed in on the situation, urging INEC and law enforcement agencies to ensure the BVAS machines are expected.

“This is a test of Nigeria’s democracy. When the courts issue orders, those orders must be respected by all parties, no matter their political affiliation. What’s happening in Edo right now is a serious violation of the rule of law, and we urge INEC to act swiftly,” said a spokesperson from a leading election observation group.