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’s convener, Isaiah Davies Ijele and Brig. Gen. Benjamin Ipinyomi ( rtd). stated on Sunday in a statement, “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.
The group appealed to the National Assembly to intervene and ensure INEC’s unbiased implementation of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows for electronic result transmission. They also called for the INEC chairman to clarify the irregularities observed during the Kogi governorship election.
“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,” Ijele added.
The Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum 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.
Press Release
INEC Must Embrace BVAS for Credible Elections in Edo and Ondo Not Like the BVAS Fraud in Kogi Gubernatorial Election.
The Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum emphasizes the significance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in ensuring the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, contrasting with the irregularities witnessed in Okene, Adavi, and Okehi LG during the November 11, 2023 Kogi Gubernatorial Election.
We strongly criticize the irregularities in the recent Kogi governorship election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to fully implement the BVAS provisions, particularly in some local governments under the leadership of Professor Johnson Urama and Professor Sani Muhammed.
“We insist that INEC strictly follows the BVAS provisions in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections,” stated Isaiah Davies Ijele, convener of the Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum. “The voice of the people must be heard. Democracy in Kogi State and Nigeria at large must be preserved.”
We express deep reservations about the continuous use of professors as returning officers, voicing our lack of confidence in their ability to conduct unbiased elections. We recommend that INEC considers individuals from diverse backgrounds, including retired soldiers, carpenters, religious leaders, and traditionalists, for these roles.
We urge the National Assembly to intervene and urge INEC to be unbiased, suggesting amendments to Sec. 64 (4), (5), and (6) of the 2022 Electoral Act to mandate BVAS for accreditation during elections, with results aligning with the accreditation on IREV.
We call for INEC chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, to be called upon to clarify the irregularities observed during the Kogi governorship election.
“The Electoral Act 2022 allows for electronic result transmission, a pivotal step in safeguarding the integrity of our elections. It is imperative that this provision is fully enforced to prevent fraud and ensure transparent elections.”
We also appeal to the hired counter-protesters to refrain from engaging in undemocratic actions. Our sole aim is to advocate for transparency in elections, in line with the law. What is the basis of your protest?
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.
Isaiah Davies Ijele
Convener
Brgt. General Gabriel Ipinyomi
Chairman
08/06/2027