The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly refuted allegations of smuggling Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines into its office in Edo State. The commission described the claims, made by the All Progressives Congress (APC), as completely false, unsubstantiated, and lacking any merit.
The APC, in a petition filed on October 10, accused members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of sneaking voter registration materials and BVAS equipment into the INEC office in Benin. These accusations, however, were swiftly dismissed by INEC after conducting a thorough investigation.
Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, addressed the media on Friday, October 13, 2024. In his statement, he made it clear that the commission had fully investigated the allegations and found no evidence to support the claims.
“We have carefully examined the allegations and can confirm that they are baseless and unsupported by any facts,” Onuoha said.
He assured the public that no political party or outside entity had compromised or accessed voter registration records or BVAS equipment in any illegal manner.
“INEC remains fully committed to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process,” he added.
Onuoha emphasized that the investigation was carried out with the highest level of professionalism, transparency, and impartiality. He acknowledged the seriousness of the claims but assured the public that the commission took all necessary steps to ensure that every electoral material, including the BVAS machines, remained secure.
“We conducted our investigation with the utmost rigor, skill, and impartiality, recognizing the gravity of the accusations,” Onuoha explained.
He further stated that INEC, as the agency responsible for ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria, would never tolerate any form of electoral malpractice or irregularity.
“The security and integrity of all electoral materials, including BVAS, remain fully intact,” the REC declared.
The allegations by the APC have raised questions about whether the accusations were a genuine concern about the electoral process or simply political maneuvering ahead of upcoming elections. The APC claimed that the PDP had engaged in unlawful activities to manipulate the voter registration process, an accusation that could fuel political tensions in Edo State.
Despite these accusations, INEC has maintained that its systems and electoral materials are secure. According to the commission, there is no room for tampering or illegal interference.
The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is a vital tool used by INEC to ensure that elections are credible. It helps in verifying the identities of voters through fingerprints and facial recognition technology, reducing the chances of impersonation and election fraud.
BVAS was introduced in Nigeria as part of electoral reforms aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. The system has played a significant role in recent elections by ensuring that only eligible voters can cast their ballots.
INEC’s defense of the integrity of the BVAS machines highlights the importance of these devices in maintaining a fair and transparent electoral process.
As the political atmosphere heats up in Edo State, the REC reassured the public that INEC will continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, particularly in the use of BVAS machines.
In line with a recent court ruling, Onuoha said that INEC would fully comply with the law in ensuring that all election materials are properly inspected and handled. He extended an invitation to all political parties to observe the process.
“INEC will guarantee transparency in the use of BVAS machines and strict adherence to the law,” Onuoha said, urging cooperation from all political parties during the inspection of election materials.
He added that the commission is always open to scrutiny and that political parties should work with INEC to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
As political tensions rise, especially ahead of upcoming elections, Onuoha appealed to political actors to avoid actions that could erode public confidence in the electoral process. He stressed the importance of focusing on promoting democratic values instead of spreading false accusations.
“We urge all political players to refrain from actions that could undermine public trust in the electoral process,” Onuoha advised. He called on political parties to channel their energies into fostering democracy rather than trying to gain an advantage through unsubstantiated claims.
This call for calm comes at a crucial time, with many Nigerians already expressing concerns about the integrity of elections in the country. Onuoha reassured the public that INEC will never compromise its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
“The commission remains unwavering in its dedication to impartiality, superior electoral management, and guaranteeing legitimate results in every election,” Onuoha asserted.
