The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly refuted the recent allegations of BVAS machine smuggling in Edo State, describing the claims as baseless, unsubstantiated, and entirely without merit.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the allegations were raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC), who submitted a petition to INEC on October 10. In their complaint, the APC claimed that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had smuggled BVAS machines and voter registers into INEC’s office in Benin, Edo State, in an attempt to compromise the electoral process.
In response, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, issued an official statement in Benin on Friday. He confirmed that the commission had thoroughly investigated the allegations and determined that they were unfounded, without any supporting evidence, and ultimately lacking any basis.
Dr. Onuoha took the opportunity to reassure the general public that INEC’s electoral materials, including the BVAS machines and voter registers, had not been compromised at any point, and there had been no unauthorized access by any political party or external actors.
He emphasized that INEC remained resolute in its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and would not condone any form of malpractice that could undermine the credibility of elections.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations, the commission undertook an exhaustive and impartial investigation,” Onuoha stated. “As an institution charged with delivering free, fair, and credible elections, INEC takes any such claims very seriously. We can confidently affirm that the integrity of all electoral materials, including the BVAS machines, remains intact and fully secure.”
Onuoha also highlighted INEC’s compliance with a recent court order, which mandated the inspection of electoral materials. He affirmed that INEC would facilitate this inspection process with full transparency and would ensure that all procedures, particularly those concerning the handling of BVAS machines, adhered strictly to the rule of law.
In his closing remarks, the REC called on all political parties to cooperate fully during the inspection process and advised political actors to focus on strengthening democratic principles. He urged them to refrain from actions that could erode public trust in the electoral system.
Onuoha reaffirmed INEC’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, excellence in electoral administration, and ensuring credible outcomes in every election. He emphasized that the commission would continue to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the highest standards of transparency and professionalism.
“INEC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic processes,” he concluded.