The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed recent allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the smuggling of BVAS machines and voter registers in Edo State as false and without any merit. The APC had claimed, in a petition submitted on October 10, that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had unlawfully accessed INEC’s office in Benin and tampered with electoral materials.
However, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, issued a firm rebuttal in a statement released on Friday, assuring the public that a thorough investigation was conducted and the allegations were found to be entirely unfounded. According to Onuoha, there is no evidence to suggest that any BVAS machines or voter registers were compromised or accessed by unauthorized individuals or political parties.
Onuoha emphasized that INEC remains dedicated to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and will not tolerate any form of electoral malpractice. He reaffirmed that all electoral materials, including the BVAS machines, are fully secure and intact.
“Recognising the seriousness of these claims, the commission conducted its investigation with the highest level of rigour, professionalism, and impartiality,” Onuoha said. “As an institution tasked with ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, INEC will not tolerate any form of malpractice.”
In line with a recent court order, INEC is prepared to facilitate the inspection of election materials to ensure transparency. Onuoha urged all political parties to cooperate during the inspection process, underscoring that the commission is committed to upholding the rule of law.
He also advised political actors to focus on reinforcing democratic principles, warning against actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
INEC’s response aims to reassure voters and stakeholders that the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State is intact and that allegations of electoral malpractice will always be thoroughly investigated and addressed accordingly.
