The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has raised allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of obstructing access to election materials used in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.
Following a directive from the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, INEC was ordered to grant SDP access for forensic assessment of the election materials.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of New Media for Muri/Sam Campaign Council/SDP, Isaiah Davies Ijele, expressed frustration, claiming that INEC had refused to comply with the court order.
The statement highlighted, “Yesterday, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, our forensic experts visited the INEC office to initiate their work, but Barrister Faith Kotso once again hindered their progress.”
The SDP questioned whether Barrister Faith Kotso considered herself above the court order or if external influences were disrupting the democratic process.
Reports also surfaced of alleged political thugs affiliated with Governor Bello hindering access to the INEC office.
In response, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kogi State has adjourned pending the completion of the inspection of election materials by the SDP.
Despite the SDP acknowledging INEC’s cooperation with the inspection, the party requested additional time at the resumed hearing on Wednesday.
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