Toba Owojaiye reporting
Edo State, NigeriaÂ
Fresh allegations have emerged accusing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning an attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Edo State tonight. The aim, according to sources, is to destroy critical electoral materials, particularly the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) machines, in order to block the court-ordered inspection, which could reveal irregularities in the recent gubernatorial election.
Truth Live News gathered that, the BVAS machines, used to verify voter identities, has become central to the opposition’s challenge of the election results. Citing irregularities in the voting process, the opposition secured a court ruling granting them access to inspect the machines and other INEC materials. This review is seen as crucial in determining whether the election was free and fair.
Despite the court ruling, there have been numerous delays and obstacles to this inspection. Now, with these new allegations of an arson plot, concerns have grown that some are willing to go to extreme lengths to prevent the review.
According to sources, APC members are planning to burn the INEC office to destroy the BVAS machines and other electoral materials. If carried out, this would not only sabotage the legal process but also eliminate evidence that could potentially change the election’s outcome.
These allegations come on the heels of a troubling incident on Monday evening. The deputy governor-elect, Hon. Denis Idahosa, reportedly led a group of known APC thugs to the INEC headquarters, claiming they were there to protect the office. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly given the presence of constitutionally and statutorily empowered security agencies, whose responsibility it is to protect government properties.
Political watchers are now questioning why a deputy governor-elect and his thugs would take it upon themselves to secure a government office, suggesting that this act may have been a guise for intimidation. “Since when did it become the responsibility of a deputy governor-elect and his thugs to protect government property?” they ask. “Why were they not relying on the police or other security agencies who are legally tasked with this duty?”
The involvement of Hon. Idahosa and his group has fueled suspicions about the true intentions of the APC, with many fearing that these moves are part of a broader strategy to obstruct justice.
If the alleged arson attack takes place, it would mark a significant blow to Nigeria’s democracy. Destroying BVAS machines and INEC materials would compromise the court-ordered review and prevent transparency in determining the true results of the election. Such an action would undermine public confidence in the electoral process and erode trust in the rule of law.
The opposition has called on security agencies and civil society organizations to intervene and ensure that INEC offices are protected. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and demand accountability from political actors. The international community and election observers are also being called upon to keep a close watch on developments, as the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process is at stake.
As Edo State faces a pivotal moment in its electoral process, the alleged plan to burn INEC offices and the involvement of Hon. Denis Idahosa in leading APC thugs to the headquarters have deepened concerns about the fairness of the election. The integrity of the process depends on the successful inspection of the BVAS machines and other materials, as ordered by the court.
At this critical juncture, democracy must prevail, and any attempt to sabotage the review must be prevented. The people of Edo State deserve a transparent electoral process, free from intimidation and interference.