In a recent interview, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) voiced strong condemnation of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State for allegedly blocking access to essential electoral materials and equipment, despite a court order. Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s candidate for the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, was reportedly denied entry to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and associated documentation.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, remarked, “INEC’s refusal not only undermines the court’s order but also raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.” He pointed out that INEC officials claimed they were waiting for “directives from above,” which he believes served as a cover for APC-affiliated thugs and corrupt police officers to disrupt activities at the INEC office in Edo State.

Ologunagba stressed that INEC’s actions directly defied a directive from the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal issued on September 29, 2024, which required the Commission to grant the PDP and its candidate “unfettered access” to examine all relevant electoral documents, including voter registers, ballot papers, and the BVAS machines used in the election.

He expressed concern over what he describes as a troubling collaboration between certain INEC officials and the APC, aiming to obstruct justice and manipulate evidence regarding the election results, which the PDP is confident they won.

“We have credible information suggesting that compromised INEC officials and the APC are conspiring to alter data in the BVAS machines and other crucial documents,” Ologunagba stated. He called on both Nigerians and the international community to recognize a troubling pattern from INEC that threatens democracy and undermines their mandate to facilitate free and fair elections.

“This provocative behavior from INEC and the APC is fostering a climate of unease, raising concerns about a potential collapse of law and order as public frustration with the Commission grows,” he cautioned.

The PDP is urging INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to take swift action to restore the Commission’s credibility by allowing access to the BVAS machines and other essential materials, in accordance with the Tribunal’s ruling. Ologunagba firmly declared, “INEC and the APC need to realize that the people of Edo State will not accept any attempt to impose a mandate that was clearly rejected in favor of our Party and candidate in the recent election.”