Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has agreed to allow the inspection of election materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, in a significant development for Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his legal team, who are challenging the results of the September 21st Edo State governorship election.
Truth Live News gathered that this decision comes after intense pressure, both from the legal representatives of Ighodalo and widespread protests led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The protests and legal battles were aimed at ensuring transparency in the electoral process, particularly in light of the alleged irregularities surrounding the election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate declared the winner.
Despite a court order, INEC initially resisted attempts by Dr. Ighodalo’s legal team to inspect the BVAS machines and other materials used in the election. This reluctance fueled public outcry, with PDP supporters claiming that the electoral body was collaborating with the ruling party to conceal evidence of rigging.
However, in a letter dated October 8, 2024, Dr. Anugbom Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, denied these allegations and reiterated INEC’s commitment to upholding transparency and the rule of law. The Commission confirmed that the inspection of the materials would take place on October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC headquarters in Edo State.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose quest to reclaim his mandate has gained widespread support, sees this development as a breakthrough. His legal team has argued that a full inspection of the election materials, particularly the BVAS devices, is essential to uncovering the truth about what transpired during the governorship election.
PDP leaders, including Edo State Chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemin, hailed the decision as a victory for democracy. “This is a win for the rule of law,” Aziegbemin said. “The people of Edo State voted for Asue Ighodalo, and we are confident that once all the facts are laid bare, it will be clear that their mandate was stolen.”
Aziegbemin criticized the earlier stance of INEC and the police, accusing them of colluding with the APC. He reassured supporters that the PDP would continue to fight for justice, expressing confidence that the judiciary would eventually restore Ighodalo as the rightful governor. “We trust the judiciary will respect the will of the people and deliver justice in this case,” he added.
With only two days remaining before the election petition deadline, the PDP hopes that this inspection will provide the evidence needed to strengthen their case. The legal team has already raised several points of contention, including the alleged manipulation of voter data and tampering with the BVAS devices. Now, with access to these materials, they can proceed with their forensic examination, which they believe will expose significant irregularities.
Public sentiment in Edo State has been largely supportive of Ighodalo’s quest. Many residents participated in protests, demanding transparency and expressing their dissatisfaction with the election outcome. “We are a proud and enlightened people,” Aziegbemin remarked. “We have always chosen our leaders here in Edo, and we will not allow outsiders to impose unqualified individuals on us.”
INEC’s decision to allow the inspection has slightly eased tensions, but the protests are unlikely to cease entirely until a definitive ruling is made by the courts. Asue Ighodalo’s supporters are confident that justice will eventually prevail.
The upcoming inspection marks a critical step in the ongoing legal battle to reclaim Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s mandate. With the clock ticking and the election tribunal looming, all eyes are on the outcome of this investigation. Ighodalo’s team remains optimistic, but the road to justice is long, and the final verdict rests in the hands of the judiciary.
In the end, INEC’s decision to allow the inspection, though delayed, may restore some confidence in the electoral process. For now, the people of Edo State wait, hopeful that the truth will be revealed, and justice will be served.