The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally given in to mounting pressure, presenting the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines as evidence in court.
This development comes as a significant setback for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State at the ongoing proceedings by the Justice Kpochi-led Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 and filed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo of PDP challenging INEC’S declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State.
It may be recalled that Ighodalo had, inter alia, in his petition alleged massive irregularities in favour of APC including Over Voting, non serialization of Electoral materials, and incorrect computation of votes by INEC
The BVAS machines, used during the September 21st Governorship Election in Edo State, reportedly reveal substantial instances of over-voting, exceeding the number of accredited voters in numerous polling units. Section 51(2) of the Electoral Act provides that Where the number of votes cast at an election in any polling unit
exceeds the number of accredited voters in that polling unit, INEC shall cancel the result of the election in that polling unit
Today’s presentation of the BVAS evidence in court has sparked widespread jubilation among supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who see this as a pivotal moment in the ongoing Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The APC and Governor Monday Okpebholo face a major blow as INEC’s submission of the BVAS machines could potentially undermine their case.
The revelation of over-voting has been described as a critical victory for the PDP, potentially altering the course of the tribunal’s proceedings.
The Tribunal has adjourned sitting till Friday, January 31, 2025.
