A mild drama unfolded at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, Edo State on Wednesday as counsels for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed over the inspection of electoral materials.
Victor Ohionsumua, counsel to the APC, explained that the disagreement arose over the order of inspection.
he said, “Yesterday, they invited us here that they were going to start the inspection of materials today by 10 am. Our legal team came here and we were served with a schedule… We drew INEC’s attention to the order obtained by the PDP, which says inspection should start with the Voters’ Register.”
Acting APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe alleged that the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was not listed in the voters’ register. “That’s why voters’ register is an issue… We want to look at the register critically to ensure we’re not inspecting fake registers.”
Mathew Iduoriyekewen, Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, accused INEC of delaying the process. “It’s clear INEC is delaying this process because the filing of the case at the tribunal is time-bound… We have got an injunction to allow our lawyers to inspect materials, but they haven’t been able to do so for two days.”
The disagreement led to an adjournment until Thursday, with both parties agreeing to reconvene at INEC. The APC supporters gathered outside the office, while PDP supporters convened at Ramat Park to avoid clashes. Police were deployed to maintain order.
The inspection dispute highlights tensions between the two parties as they prepare for the election petition tribunal.