Tensions flare in Edo State as thugs interrupt the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during its inspection of materials for the upcoming governorship election, raising concerns over security and electoral integrity.
In a concerning incident in Benin City, individuals allegedly associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) targeted forensic experts from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These experts were analyzing electoral materials connected to the disputed Edo governorship election.
The situation intensified when the thugs, under the leadership of Jarrett Tenebe, invaded the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hinder the inspection process.
This disruption happened after Anugbom Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, invited all parties to join in the inspection. This invitation was extended even though a court order had granted specific rights to the PDP to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.
Tension escalated dramatically when Rita Amadi, INEC’s Head of Legal, declared that the inspection of the BVAS machines would commence in accordance with the court order.
Nonetheless, Tenebe strongly objected, asserting that the process should begin with reviewing the voter register and ballot papers before moving on to inspect the BVAS machines.
His demands swiftly led to chaos, with APC members encircling Mrs. Amadi and pushing back against the PDP delegation.
Amid the chaos, a forensic examiner from the PDP had their phone destroyed as police officers on the scene did not step in to help.
As the disruption persisted, the APC Chairman requested that the inspection be postponed to the next day due to not having access to his copy of the voters register.
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To everyone’s surprise, Mrs. Amadi consented to his request even though the PDP’s legal representative pointed out that the court order called for an examination of INEC’s voters register used in the elections, not one maintained by political parties.
Goodluck Osaretin, part of the PDP delegation, voiced his frustration about recent developments and emphasized the difficulties encountered in maintaining a transparent inspection process due to interference from individuals affiliated with APC.
Osaretin expressed that they are not taken aback by the current events, suggesting that the APC is aware of their actions during the elections.
We recognize their urgent need to stop us from examining the BVAS machines. The REC’s remarks were both harmful and misleading, creating an opportunity for the APC to intervene and disrupt the process.
“At this moment, they have postponed the inspection, once again failing to comply with the court order. This is a typical delay tactic that INEC employs to hinder efforts in achieving electoral justice.”
“The actions of the APC and INEC’s involvement clearly aim to undermine our case. However, while we stay dedicated to maintaining peace, this should not be seen as a sign of weakness,” Osaretin remarked.
Moreover, with only 48 hours remaining until the deadline for submitting their petition, the PDP and Ighodalo are facing growing uncertainty regarding whether the inspection of the BVAS machines will be completed in time.
The intentional obstruction by APC members and the seeming inaction of INEC have raised doubts about whether justice will be upheld during what many consider a pivotal moment for the future of democracy in Edo State.
