The Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the full implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The group, in a statement signed by its leaders, Isaiah Davies Ijele and Brig. Gen. Benjamin Ipinyomi (rtd), called on the INEC chairman to clarify the irregularities observed during the Kogi governorship election.
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The group said: “We insist that INEC strictly follows the BVAS provisions in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections. The voice of the people must be heard. Democracy in Kogi State and Nigeria at large must be preserved.”
The forum criticised the irregularities in the recent Kogi governorship election, where BVAS was not fully implemented in some local governments.
They also expressed concerns about the use of professors as returning officers, suggesting that individuals from diverse backgrounds should be considered for these roles.
They appealed to the National Assembly to intervene and ensure INEC’s unbiased implementation of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows for electronic result transmission.
“We remain confident that the Appeal and Supreme Court will uphold justice for the people of Kogi and prioritize the essence of the case over technicalities, as witnessed in the tribunal,” they added.
The group also emphasized that the full implementation of BVAS is crucial for ensuring the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. They urged INEC to prioritize transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections.
