The Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) has accused the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, of deliberately obstructing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from accessing essential electoral materials, including the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS), in a move they say undermines transparency and accountability within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released on Wednesday by TAMO, signed by Erhabor Emokpae in Benin City, the group rejected Dr. Onuoha’s recent claims that the PDP was never denied access to the materials.
“We categorically confirm that our application to inspect the BVAS and other critical electoral materials was submitted over ten days ago,” the statement asserted.
TAMO expressed deep frustration, highlighting that only two days before the statutory deadline for filing their legal case, the PDP was finally “permitted” to receive Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the materials. This last-minute approval, they argue, represents a direct threat to the party’s ability to prepare its case adequately.
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“This delay is not only a violation of our rights as a major stakeholder but also a direct threat to the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State,” TAMO emphasized.
The group further condemned the REC’s accusation that the PDP had fabricated its narrative, calling it a deliberate attempt to intimidate and distract from the real issue.
“Such statements reflect not just a failure of leadership but an alarming tendency to suppress the truth and mislead the public,” the statement continued, rejecting Dr. Onuoha’s defense.
TAMO urged Dr. Onuoha to take responsibility for the procedural delays and recognize the importance of ensuring full access to electoral materials for all parties.
They emphasized that transparency is the cornerstone of a democratic process, and any failure to uphold this principle risks damaging both INEC’s credibility and public confidence in the electoral system.
“We call on the REC to correct this negligence and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. In the end, history will vindicate those who stand for truth and justice,” TAMO concluded.
This development comes amidst ongoing electoral disputes in Edo State, where the PDP is challenging the results of the most recent elections, citing irregularities.
The delay in accessing critical electoral materials raises concerns over whether all parties will have a fair opportunity to present their cases in court, with PDP’s accusations pointing to broader issues of transparency and accountability within INEC’s operations.