The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly refuted allegations of obstructing any political party from inspecting the election materials and BVAS machines used in the recent Edo governorship election.

In a statement issued from Benin on Wednesday, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo, dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading. This response comes after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, accused INEC of failing to comply with a court order that granted access to the election materials.

Dr. Onuoha emphasized that INEC is committed to facilitating the inspection process, highlighting that the inspection was officially scheduled for Wednesday at the INEC headquarters in Benin. He stated, “The attention of INEC and my office has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the BVAS devices and other election materials used during the recent elections. We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth.”

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The commissioner reaffirmed INEC’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and fairness in all electoral processes. He noted that the right to inspect election materials is fundamental for all political parties involved in election petitions, a responsibility mandated by law for INEC to uphold.

Dr. Onuoha explained that at no point had he or any officials obstructed access for political parties or their representatives to review the materials from the recent election. “INEC is fully aware of the legal implications of such actions, and we are dedicated to supporting the lawful processes that enable parties to seek redress in the courts,” he added.

He also urged all political parties and their candidates seeking to inspect the materials to follow the proper procedures as outlined by the election petition tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.

Addressing the circulation of unfounded accusations, Dr. Onuoha stated, “It is unfortunate that these baseless accusations have been circulated without any evidence or proper engagement with my office. I urge all stakeholders and the general public to disregard such misinformation. As a Commission, our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law.”

The REC encouraged any parties wishing to engage with his office regarding the inspection of materials to do so through the appropriate legal channels, reinforcing INEC’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable electoral process.