Protesters In Kogi Demand INEC Transparency On BVAS System...CONTINUE READING
ABUJA – Tensions flared on Thursday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja as opposing groups clashed over the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the recent Kogi State governorship election.
Led by Isaiah Davies, the Concerned Kogi Citizens’ Forum demanded transparency in BVAS operations, alleging electoral fraud and accusing INEC of manipulating election outcomes.
Protesters brandished placards with messages such as “BVAS Integrity Matters,” “INEC, Ensure Transparent Elections,” “Restore Credibility in Nigeria’s Polls,” and “Stop BVAS Manipulation!”
Davies addressed the demonstrators, stating: “We stand for the Nigerian people and uphold the rule of law. We advocate for the integrity of INEC’s accreditation process. The BVAS system, introduced at a significant cost, was meant to enhance electoral transparency. However, its implementation has not met our expectations.”
“We call on INEC to release the BVAS report to demonstrate the fairness of the election. In Kogi State, some INEC-appointed returning officers, including university professors, have reported voter numbers exceeding actual accreditations, which constitutes fraud. INEC must take decisive action against such officers.”
Meanwhile, the Election Transparency Advocacy Coalition (ETAC), led by Barrister Peter Ugwuoke, staged a counter-protest in support of INEC and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Counter-protesters displayed signs reading “Support INEC,” “End INEC Blackmail,” “Respect Electoral Integrity,” and “Fair Elections by INEC!”
Ugwuoke defended INEC’s conduct, stating: “INEC performed admirably under challenging circumstances. The commission faced unwarranted criticism from disgruntled politicians who refuse to accept electoral defeat. INEC conducted the Kogi State governorship election professionally and accurately represented the will of the people.”
Johnson Kolawole Michael, ETAC spokesperson, echoed Ugwuoke’s sentiments: “The allegations against INEC regarding BVAS lack evidence. We condemn attempts by defeated politicians to discredit the election process. The election in Kogi State was credible, and INEC must continue its work with professionalism.”
The protests followed the dismissal of a petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), challenging the election results due to insufficient evidence of fraud.
SDP candidate Muritala Ajaka has appealed the decision, alleging electoral malpractice and seeking access to BVAS materials used during the election.
The Supreme Court upheld Ajaka’s request, ordering INEC to produce BVAS devices and related documents, including identification numbers and usage summaries from seven local government areas.
Earlier, the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had ordered a forensic examination of BVAS devices from selected local government areas.
The protests underscore ongoing concerns over BVAS usage in Nigerian elections, with civil society groups advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.