Edo Election: INEC Replies APC Over Alleged Smuggling Of BVAS, Voter List By PDP

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the accusations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) concerning the alleged smuggling of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, equipment and voter lists into the INEC headquarters by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

In a statement released on Friday, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, the Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, REC, quoted INEC as stating that the commission has carried out a comprehensive inquiry and confirmed that the allegations are baseless and lacking in evidence.

Naija News reports that the APC had raised the allegation during the governorship election held on September 21, 2024, in Edo State.

Recall that the party eventually won the keenly contested poll ahead of the PDP.

In response to APC’s allegations, however, INEC reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to maintaining the electoral process’s integrity.

It maintained that at no point was the BVAS equipment and voter lists tampered with or illegally accessed by any political party or outside group.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Edo State, has concluded its thorough investigation into the allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the purported smuggling of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voters’ registers into the INEC office by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

“Following a comprehensive review of the allegations, it has been determined that the allegations are baseless, unsubstantiated, and entirely without merit.

“INEC maintains a steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, and at no time were the BVAS machines or voters’ registers compromised or unlawfully accessed by any political party or external entity.

“We fully understand the gravity of such claims, which is why the investigation was conducted with the utmost rigor and impartiality. As an institution charged with the sacred responsibility of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, INEC will not tolerate any form of malpractice or manipulation, and the integrity of all electoral materials remains fully intact.

“In light of these findings, we are in full compliance with the recent court order directing the inspection of electoral materials, including the BVAS machines and voters’ registers.

“INEC is prepared to facilitate this inspection process, ensuring transparency and adherence to the rule of law. We urge all parties to cooperate fully during this process. We appeal to all political actors to focus on the democratic principles that bind us and avoid actions or rhetoric unwavering, and we will continue to work towards the preservation of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State and Nigeria at large,” the statement said.