PDP Condemns INEC’s Refusal to Grant Access to Election Materials in Edo State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the reported refusal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Edo State to grant the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other electoral materials used in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, despite a court order.

In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party expressed outrage over what it called the brazen disregard for the Order of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which on September 29, 2024, instructed INEC to allow the PDP access to crucial election documents, including voter registers, ballot papers, BVAS machines, and various forms related to the election.

The PDP also accused INEC of colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to obstruct justice.

The statement alleged that INEC officials, while claiming to wait for “directives from above,” facilitated confusion at the INEC office by enabling thugs, reportedly linked to the APC, and unscrupulous police officers to prevent the PDP from inspecting sensitive materials.

The party stated that the refusal to release these materials not only violated the court order but also raised concerns about a deliberate attempt to tamper with the election data.

The PDP claimed that there is an active effort by compromised INEC officials and APC to manipulate BVAS data, results sheets, and ballot papers in favour of the APC’s defeated candidate.

Ologunagba warned that INEC’s actions are endangering democracy, eroding public trust, and risking a breakdown of law and order due to rising frustrations among Nigerians.

He called on INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to act promptly and ensure the immediate release of all election materials as mandated by the tribunal.

The PDP reiterated that it will not tolerate any attempt to subvert the will of the people of Edo State, who, according to the party, freely gave their mandate to Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the September 21 election.