For the second consecutive day, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has refused to grant the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, access to Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) machines and other materials used in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election, despite a court order.
The PDP’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olusegun Jolaawo, had attempted to inspect these materials on Monday, following a court order dated September 29, 2024. However, INEC officials delayed the process, citing the need to seek permission from Abuja.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the team returned but was again denied access. This situation has led to accusations from the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, who alleged that INEC, in collusion with the All Progressives Congress (APC), is deliberately obstructing justice and trying to prevent the PDP from filing its petition before the upcoming deadline.
Nehikhare further accused APC of planning to burn the INEC office to destroy evidence, including the BVAS machines. He called on the police to secure the INEC office and enforce the court order.
Meanwhile, the PDP women’s wing in Edo State has vowed to continue peaceful protests until the mandate they claim was stolen is restored. The women, dressed in black, marched through Benin City to the Nigeria Union of Journalists office, voicing their demand for justice.
Stella Okoro, their spokesperson, emphasized their dissatisfaction with the election’s outcome, claiming Ighodalo was the rightful winner.
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