Tensions as thugs disrupt PDP’s inspection of Edo governorship election materials

In a troubling incident in Benin City, thugs reportedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked forensic experts from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who were examining electoral materials related to the contentious Edo governorship election.

The situation escalated when the thugs, led by Jarrett Tenebe, stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obstruct the inspection process.

This disruption occurred after Edo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbom Onuoha, had extended an invitation to all parties to participate in the inspection, despite a court order granting the PDP specific rights to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

The tension rose sharply when INEC’s Head of Legal, Rita Amadi, announced that the inspection of the BVAS machines was set to begin, as mandated by the court order.

However, Tenebe forcefully objected, insisting that the process should start with the voter register and ballot papers before examining the BVAS machines.

His demands quickly resulted in chaos as APC members surrounded Mrs. Amadi, pushing back against the PDP delegation.

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During the commotion, one of the PDP’s forensic examiners had their phone smashed while police officers present failed to intervene.

As the disruption continued, the APC Chairman called for the adjournment of the inspection until the following day, citing a lack of access to his copy of the voters register.

Surprisingly, Mrs. Amadi agreed to his request, despite being reminded by the PDP’s legal representative that the court order specified an examination of the voters register used by INEC in the elections, not one held by political parties.

Goodluck Osaretin, a member of the PDP delegation, expressed frustration over the unfolding events, highlighting the challenges faced in ensuring a transparent inspection process amid the interference from APC-affiliated individuals.

Osaretin said, “We are not surprised by what is happening. The APC know what they did during the elections.

“So we understand their desperation to prevent us from inspecting the BVAS machines. The REC’s statement was both malicious and mischievous. It opened a window for the APC to come in to disrupt the exercise.

“As we speak they have adjourned the inspection, once again failing to comply with the court order. These are the usual delay tactics INEC uses to obstruct the pursuit of electoral justice.

“The APC’s actions and INEC’s complicity are clear attempts to sabotage our case. But while we remain committed to peaceful conduct, this should not be mistaken for powerlessness,” Osaretin noted.

Also, with just 48 hours left before the deadline to submit their petition, the PDP and Ighodalo face increasing uncertainty over whether the inspection of the BVAS machines will be completed in time.

The deliberate obstruction by APC members and the apparent inaction of INEC has cast doubt over whether justice will be served in what many are calling a critical moment for the future of Edo State’s democracy.