Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vociferously condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly obstructing access to crucial election materials following the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024. The party has accused INEC of colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the election results and conceal evidence of rigging.
In a press statement released today, the PDP highlighted that officials from INEC have denied its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other essential materials, contrary to a court order issued by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. The tribunal had mandated that the PDP be granted "unfettered access" to inspect all electoral documents, including voter registers and ballot papers, as part of its investigation into the conduct of the election.
The statement described the refusal as a "brazen affront" to the tribunal's order, accusing INEC officials of using the excuse of awaiting “directives from above” to facilitate what they claim is a coordinated effort to obstruct justice. The PDP further alleged that this created an opportunity for thugs affiliated with the APC and some corrupt police operatives to invade the INEC office, thereby causing confusion and preventing the PDP from obtaining access to the sensitive materials.
"These actions validate reports of collusion between compromised INEC officials and the APC to obstruct justice and suppress evidence of the manipulation of election results," the statement read. The PDP claims that the alterations being made to the BVAS machines, results sheets, and other critical documents are designed to favor the APC candidate, who was defeated in the election.
The party called for heightened public awareness, urging both Nigerians and the international community to recognize what they describe as a troubling pattern of INEC undermining democracy. The PDP expressed concerns that INEC has been consistently complicit in manipulating election outcomes to benefit the APC, which undermines the constitutional principles of free, fair, and credible elections.
In light of these developments, the PDP has issued a stern demand for immediate action, calling on INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to restore the integrity of the commission by complying with the tribunal's order and allowing access to the contested materials.
"The PDP and the people of Edo State will not stand by as the mandate freely given to us is unlawfully transferred to the APC," the statement concluded, reinforcing the party's commitment to defending the electoral rights of its constituents.
As the situation unfolds, the PDP’s allegations raise significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from Nigeria’s electoral body.