The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has refuted claims that it obstructed political parties from inspecting election materials and BVAS machines used in the recently concluded governorship election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin, the Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, dismissed the allegations as “baseless, misleading, and devoid of truth.” These accusations were made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who claimed that INEC failed to comply with a court order granting them access to inspect the election materials.

Onuoha clarified that INEC had scheduled the inspection of materials for Wednesday at its headquarters in Benin, affirming the commission’s commitment to transparency and legal compliance.

“The attention of INEC and my office has been drawn to certain unfounded allegations suggesting that I have refused political parties and their representatives access to inspect the BVAS devices and other election materials used during the recent elections. We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth,” the REC stated.

He emphasized that the inspection of election materials is a legal right for all parties involved in election petitions, and INEC is mandated to facilitate this process. Onuoha assured the public that neither he nor any INEC official had denied access to election materials or obstructed any political party.

“INEC, under my leadership in Edo, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes,” Onuoha said, further inviting all political parties to participate in the scheduled inspection.

The REC urged the public to disregard the unfounded accusations and reiterated INEC’s dedication to supporting lawful procedures and maintaining a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. He also encouraged parties to follow the appropriate legal procedures for any engagements with his office.

“Our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the Constitution, and the rule of law,” Onuoha concluded, emphasizing INEC’s institutional commitment to ensuring accountability in the electoral process.