- INEC has dispelled rumours that it would not deploy result viewing portal IReV during the collation of Edo election results
- Edo State resident electoral commissioner Anugbum Onuoha made this known during an interview with Arise Television
- Onuoha also addressed concerns regarding his relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the sensitivity of his position
Following rumours that the portal for election collation IReV may not be used for the Edo election, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, has confirmed that the results of the forthcoming governorship election will be transmitted electronically.
Speaking in an interview with Arise Television on Saturday, September 21, Onuoha emphasised that the electronic transmission of results will only be hindered by poor network connectivity.
He assured voters that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implemented contingency measures to address any potential challenges.
Onuoha also highlighted the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which will verify voter identities and accurately determine voter turnout at each polling station.
“We have 4,519 polling units across the 18 local government areas in Edo, and so far, we have deployed 4,622 BVAS devices to these local governments. Additionally, we have a backup of 660 BVAS units,” Onuoha stated.
He further explained the role of BVAS in ensuring transparency in the electoral process: “BVAS will accredit voters to ascertain the total number of eligible voters at each polling unit. After accreditation, voting will commence. Once voting concludes, the results will be counted and uploaded to INEC’s viewing portal, IReV. Rest assured, we are committed to conducting an election that all can be proud of.”
When asked to clarify whether all results would be electronically transmitted, Onuoha confirmed, “Yes, unless there is no network in the area. We will transmit the results.”
Similarly, Onuoha also addressed concerns about his relationship with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that his familial ties to Wike should not overshadow his competency or integrity as an INEC official.
Onuoha, who is Wike's cousin, stated that his appointment was based on merit, and political actors who attempt to sway his decisions may make “wild allegations” when their efforts are unsuccessful.
“There were no complaints when I was posted to Edo state in 2023,” Onuoha added, urging the public to focus on his character, competence, and commitment to free and fair elections.
Edo Election 2024: INEC extends voting time in local governments where election commenced late
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced an extension of the voting period in the ongoing Edo State governorship election.
In a statement released on Saturday, September 21, Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, explained that the extension would apply to all the polling units where voting commenced late.
