The rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the September 21 Edo State governorship election has intensified, now centering on the inspection of election materials. Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC won the election, but the PDP is contesting the results, alleging fraud and securing a court order to inspect materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The inspection was stalled after disagreements between the two parties, with the PDP accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of delaying the process, while the APC claimed the PDP was attempting to tamper with evidence. Both parties have engaged in protests, and tension escalated into clashes, including gunfire near INEC’s office. Despite INEC dismissing claims of malpractice, the inspection has been postponed indefinitely as parties fail to reach an agreement. Several political parties involved in the election have called for a joint inspection of materials on October 14, 2024.
Key players, including APC’s Deputy Governor-elect, Dennis Idahosa, and PDP legal representatives, have accused each other of obstructing the inspection process.
