The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially granted Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, and his party access to inspect materials used in the September 21 election.
Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, is challenging the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Edo governor-elect, who won with 291,667 votes.
The PDP had earlier claimed that it was denied access to the materials when it attempted to inspect them on Monday, a critical step in contesting electoral results in Nigeria.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo, dismissed the allegation, stating that INEC had not barred the PDP from conducting the inspection.
Onuoha emphasized that the inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
With this access granted, Ighodalo and the PDP can proceed with their challenge of the election outcome.
“I wish to inform the public that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, has been formally scheduled to take place tomorrow, October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo state,” the REC said.
In reaction to INEC’s decision, Anthony Aziegbemin, chair of PDP in Edo, said INEC’s decision allowing the party to inspect the materials is a “win for democracy”.
“I want to thank all those who came out to protest in support of Ighodalo’s quest to reclaim his stolen mandate,” he said.
“While I have lost faith in the Police and INEC, who I believe colluded with the APC to steal the election, I have absolute confidence in the judiciary.
“They will do right by the people of Edo State and uphold their decision to elect Asue as their governor.”
The chair said they are confident of defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the courts.
