The PDP in Edo State has accused the APC of plotting to tamper with the BVAS system during the September 21 governorship election by recruiting fake INEC staff. The PDP urges INEC to ensure transparency, while the APC denies the allegations, accusing the PDP of attempting to distract the public.
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to recruit fake staff for the upcoming September 21 governorship election. PDP State Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, claims that the APC intends to tamper with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) by using these fake Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff to inflate the number of accredited voters in favor of the APC.
During a press briefing in Benin City, Aziegbemi revealed that the party's intelligence unit uncovered this alleged plot. He further accused the APC of failing to upload legitimate polling agents in many units, instead using "emojis" as placeholders. He urged INEC to ensure transparency by publishing the names and postings of all technical support staff before the election.
In response, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the APC campaign council’s media director, dismissed the allegations, suggesting that the PDP was merely projecting its intentions. Afegbua accused the PDP of attempting to distract the public and avoid accountability for other issues, including the investigation into the killing of Inspector Onu Akor. He asserted that the APC is closely monitoring the situation and will not allow any tampering with the election process.
INEC spokesman Timi Wariowei mentioned that an enlarged stakeholders' meeting, presided over by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will take place in Benin City on September 11, 2024, where the PDP can raise its concerns.
