Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Benin City, Edo State
A troubling incident unfolded at the Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where a group of lawyers and forensic experts representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were physically assaulted by thugs suspected to be loyalists of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Truth Live News gathered that attacks occurred in the presence of security personnel, including officers from the Nigerian Police Force, who reportedly stood by and failed to intervene.
The PDP team had arrived at the INEC office to inspect election materials, including BVAS machines, voters’ registers, and ballot papers, all crucial evidence for their case challenging the results of the September 21 gubernatorial election. Despite having a court order for the inspection, the team had faced delays, with INEC only granting access on Tuesday evening.
The situation escalated on Wednesday when the PDP team was met with hostility from a mob allegedly mobilized by the APC. A forensic expert from the team, speaking anonymously, revealed the aggressive environment they encountered, describing how a member of their team had their phone destroyed by an APC thug. Although the situation was momentarily resolved, the inspection was adjourned to the following day.
This incident casts serious doubts on the integrity of the election tribunal process. The lack of action from law enforcement and the apparent complicity of INEC officials in allowing such violence to occur undermine public confidence in the democratic process. If electoral oversight bodies like INEC cannot guarantee a safe and transparent review of election materials, it risks turning the tribunal process into a farce, threatening the legitimacy of future elections.
Public sentiment is likely to view this as a direct affront to justice, further inflaming tensions in Edo State.