The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has raised serious allegations against three Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accusing them of attempting to compromise the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election slated for September 21, 2024.
In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman on September 18, 2024, and signed by APC State Chairman Hon. Jarrett Tenebe and State Secretary Lawrence Okah, the party expressed concern over actions they believe are being taken to favor the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The letter details specific accusations against key INEC staff, including the Head of Operations, Mr. Inoyengieni Frank Ogbise, and the Head of ICT in Edo State, Mr. Lawrence Akan.
According to the APC, Ogbise has been allegedly recruiting INEC staff from outside Edo State to assist the PDP in rigging the election. The letter also claims that Ogbise relocated his family to Canada ahead of the election and is planning to leave the country immediately after the election. The party further alleges that these INEC staff were housed in Eterno Hotel, owned by Mr. Matthew Iduoriyemkewen, Director General of the PDP Campaign Organization.
The APC also accused Blessing Suleiman, the Electoral Officer for Akoko Edo Local Government Area, of distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) belonging to registered voters to the Chairman of the local government, allegedly to prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote.
In response to these developments, the APC urged INEC to intervene immediately and ensure that all INEC staff involved are relocated to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.
This complaint comes amidst heightened political tension in Edo State as parties prepare for the closely watched gubernatorial election. The APC has stressed that their faith in the fairness of the election is in jeopardy if these officials remain involved in the process.
