Edo REC Directs All Parties to Inspect Election Materials and BVAS Devices

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Edo State, Southern Nigeria  has refuted allegations that he has denied political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BIVAS, devices and other electoral materials used for the 26 September governorship election.

In a press statement, Anugbum Onuoha said the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and his office as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State has been drawn to allegations suggesting that he has refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used during the recent elections.

He described the allegations as baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth, stating that INEC, under his leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes. “The inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, and it is a process that we are mandated by law to facilitate’.

The Edo REC stated that INEC Is fully aware of the legal implications of such actions, and they are dedicated to supporting the lawful processes that enable parties to seek redress in the courts.

“In furtherance of this commitment, | wish to inform the public that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, has been formally scheduled to take place at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State. All political parties and their representatives are invited to participate in this exercise, as per the legal procedures, to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law.”

Mr. Anugbum Onuoha stated that any political party or candidate seeking to inspect these materials has been and will continue to be granted access, provided they follow the proper procedures as outlined by the Election Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.

Onuoha is urging all stakeholders and the general public to disregard such misinformation because as a Commission, their loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law.

He added that INEC, as an institution, stands for transparency, and are fully committed to ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair, and accountable, explaining that any party wishing to engage with his office regarding the inspection of materials is encouraged to do so through the appropriate legal channels, assuring them of cooperation.

Lateefah Ibrahim