Supreme Court, INEC under fire Amid over-voting controversy During Kogi Governorship Election

A group, Concerned Citizens of Kogi State has called on the Supreme Court to rectify alleged irregularities in the recent Kogi election.

In a statement addressed to the Edo and Ondo States electorate and posted on social media, the group brought to the fore the issue of overvoting during the election, which they claim violated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations.

The group expressed deep concern over using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the election, arguing that INEC’s decision to dismiss the overvoting case based on technicalities undermines democratic principles.

They also criticized INEC’s defence of the alleged fraud, noting the troubling dismissal of the case by both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court.

They urged the Supreme Court to focus on the evidence rather than technicalities.

The statement read: ”To the esteemed people of Edo and Ondo States, we urge you to pay attention to the Kogi BVAS Fraud involving overvoting, a violation of INEC regulations.

”Section 64 subsection 4 stipulates BVAS as the sole accreditation method, which was disregarded during the Kogi Election. INEC’s decision to defend such corrupt practices with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is concerning.

”The Tribunal and Appeal Court’s dismissal of the overvoting case on technicalities is troubling. We trust that the Supreme Court will uphold the Constitution over technicalities and evidence.

”Allowing BVAS fraud to persist jeopardizes our democracy. The Bayelsa case lacked substantial BVAS evidence, while in Kogi, BVAS was introduced in court but dismissed due to INEC staff identity issues.

”The judiciary’s uncertainty about the identity of a staff member present in court for 20 days raises eyebrows even with the presence of INEC Legal Team is laughable

”We urge the Supreme Court to help do justice to the people of Kogi state.”