The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has submitted a total of 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices before the Edo State governorship election tribunal in Abuja. The submission follows a subpoena issued by the tribunal on January 9, 2025.
Appearing before the court as a witness, Anthony Itodo, a senior technical officer in INEC’s ICT department, confirmed that the BVAS devices were retrieved from 133 polling units across the state.
During the tribunal session, Robert Emukpoeruo, counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pointed out a discrepancy in the number of BVAS devices submitted versus the number of polling units involved. He requested verification to ensure accuracy.
Responding to the concerns, Itodo clarified that some polling units had two BVAS devices, which accounted for the variation in numbers. Supporting this position, INEC’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, explained that although 151 units participated in the election, only 148 polling units requested BVAS devices, making the total submitted consistent with actual election records.
Despite objections from the defendants’ legal teams, including Governor Monday Okpebolor’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, the tribunal admitted the 148 BVAS devices as evidence.
The Edo governorship election tribunal continues to deliberate on the matter, with further proceedings expected to shed more light on the role of BVAS devices in the election dispute.
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