PDP’S ATTEMPT TO FALSIFY BVAS FIGURES FAILS AT EDO ELECTION TRIBUNAL

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered another blow on Thursday as its attempt to manipulate the number of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in the 2023 Edo State Governorship Election failed at the resumed hearing of the election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja.

During the proceedings, the Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) testified that 148 BVAS machines were deployed for the election in 133 polling Units. 

However, counsel to the PDP objected, insisting that 152 machines were used in the 133 polling units. The disagreement sparked an uproar in the courtroom, leading to an eventual adjournment of the sitting.

This latest controversy adds to the mounting challenges facing the PDP’s weak case at the tribunal. 

In an earlier session, the party’s star witness, Oseyili Anenih, faltered before the tribunal when he presented unsigned agents' copies of Form EC8As (Polling Unit results), which lacked legal validity. 

The incident further exposed loopholes in the PDP’s petition, raising doubts about its ability to substantiate claims of electoral malpractice.

Beyond the courtroom battles, the PDP has also been accused of creating an atmosphere of intimidation that forced the tribunal to relocate to Abuja. 

The decision came after concerns over insecurity fueled by PDP supporters, who allegedly attempted to pressure judicial officers and disrupt proceedings in Edo State.

Thursday's development further validates a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 10, 2024. 

In the petition, Edo State APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe accused PDP members of smuggling BVAS machines and voter registers into INEC’s office in Benin, alleging attempts to manipulate election records.

As the tribunal resumes its hearings, legal analysts believe the PDP’s inconsistencies and procedural missteps could weaken its chances of overturning the election results. 

With the credibility of the PDP evidence now in question, the coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the legal contest.