The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing thugs and police interference to obstruct their court-ordered inspection of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin.
According to the PDP, officials from the party arrived at the INEC office as part of a court directive to inspect the BVAS machines, but were met with strong opposition.
This inspection was mandated by the court following concerns raised by the PDP regarding potential manipulation in the voter accreditation process during the election.
Addressing the media, a senior PDP official expressed frustration: “We came here with a legitimate court order to inspect the BVAS machines, but APC thugs, supported by police officers, have surrounded the premises and are denying us entry.
“This is a clear disregard for the rule of law and raises significant doubts about the transparency of this election.
“The APC is aware that their candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, lacks popular support. Now they are resorting to intimidation and force to prevent us from ensuring that the election process is conducted fairly and credibly.
“We are only asking for what the law entitles us to—a free and fair election. By obstructing our inspection of the BVAS machines, the APC and their accomplices in the security forces are signaling that they have something to conceal.”