By Aaior K. Comfort

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indefinitely postponed the inspection of materials related to the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election due to sporadic gunfire and clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The incident occurred on Thursday at INEC’s office in Benin, where suspected thugs allegedly fired shots during the turmoil. Reports indicate that several individuals sustained bullet wounds during the confrontation near the Ikpoba River, about 700 meters from the INEC office.

Initially scheduled to start on Wednesday, the inspection faced delays after the APC objected, claiming that the process should commence with the voter register rather than the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), as granted by the tribunal to the PDP. The APC expressed that they received the inspection schedule only moments before the exercise was due to begin, resulting in their unpreparedness.

On Thursday, as the inspection was about to commence, APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe submitted a petition to the INEC Director of Operations, alleging that BVAS machines and voter registers had been improperly brought into the INEC complex in vehicles belonging to the Edo State Government. This claim was dismissed by PDP representatives, who argued that it did not override a valid court order and insisted that the inspection should proceed as planned.

Due to the escalating tensions and ongoing disagreements, INEC decided to adjourn the inspection indefinitely for security reasons. Victor Ohionsumua, Counsel to the APC, stated that the party would only return once their petition had been addressed.

Concerns over the chaotic atmosphere were echoed by the factional Chairman of the Labour Party in Edo, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, who noted that the environment was unsuitable for such an important process. He emphasized the need for a level playing field to ensure a fair and acceptable electoral process.

Attempts to obtain comments from PDP officials regarding the situation were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.