Asue Ighodalo, wey be the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in Edo State, don talk say im get absolute confidence for the judiciary to handle the election petition.
Ighodalo make dis statement after INEC refuse to give am and im legal team access to the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS) machines and other election materials, despite a court order. The court order, wey be dated September 29, 2024, direct INEC to hand over the comprehensive list of all the electoral materials for inspection by Ighodalo and PDP.
The legal team, led by Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, visit INEC headquarters in Benin City twice but dem no get access to the materials. INEC officials tell dem to return another day, saying dem need permission from Abuja. Dis delay tactic dey cause tension between PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC).
Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, accuse APC of planning to burn INEC office to destroy evidence of electoral fraud. Nehikhare call on police to take charge of INEC office and ensure enforcement of the court order.
PDP women wing in Edo State also join the protest, wearing black and carrying placards. Dem march through major streets of Benin City, expressing their pain over the alleged stolen mandate. Stella Okoro, spokesperson for the women, say dem no go stop until dem get back their mandate.
