As the deadline for filing the petition approaches, the PDP has expressed concerns that further delays by INEC could prevent it from fully presenting its case before the tribunal.
Benin City, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly failed to comply with a court order granting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) access to election materials used in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election.
This development comes despite 48 consecutive hours of attempts by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to gain access to the materials.
A subsisting court order issued by the Chairman of the Election Tribunal, Justice W. Kpoc, on September 29, 2024, directed INEC to grant the PDP access to the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) machines and other materials used during the September 21 poll. However, INEC has yet to adhere to the directive.
On Monday, the legal team representing the PDP and its candidate, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olusegun Jolaawo, visited INEC’s headquarters in Benin City, the Edo State capital, in an attempt to inspect the BVAS machines, voters’ register, ballot papers, and other materials. Despite presenting the court order, they were denied access and asked to return the following day.
The team returned on Tuesday but was once again denied access to the requested materials. This has led to allegations by the PDP that INEC, in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC), is employing delay tactics to obstruct justice and frustrate the party’s efforts to challenge the election results.
Reacting to the situation, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, described the actions of INEC as a deliberate attempt to delay the PDP’s appeal. He stated, “We are aware that the clandestine and surreptitious game plan is to frustrate the PDP appeal and ensure the petition is not filed before the Saturday deadline.”
The PDP’s legal team is seeking to use the election materials to support its petition against alleged vote rigging in the September 21 governorship election. The party contends that there have been several controversies and suspicions of fraud surrounding the conduct of the poll, which it believes resulted in the loss of its mandate.
As the deadline for filing the petition approaches, the party has expressed concerns that further delays by INEC could prevent it from fully presenting its case before the tribunal.
The situation has heightened tensions and added to the controversy surrounding the outcome of the Edo State governorship election.
Join our Channel...