INEC denies allegation of accredited PDP observers

INEC has said no member of the PDP was or has been accredited as election observer for the upcoming Edo Elections.

Mr Nick Dazang, Deputy Director Voter Education and Publicity, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said no member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was accredited as election observer in Edo.

Dazang spoke at the backdrop of allegation by All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Edo, Mr Anslem Adejua, that PDP members had been accredited as monitors for Wednesday’s governorship election in the state.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that the allegation had been investigated and found to be untrue.

“Yesterday, the APC Chairman in Edo, Anslem Adejua, alleged that 15 members of the PDP in his state had fraudulently gotten accredited as Election Observers.

“Adejua further alleged that these supposed PDP members were going to use their unrestricted access to manipulate the election in favour of their party.

“The commission promptly directed that this grave allegation be thoroughly investigated.

“I am delighted to report that the commission did not see any of the names among the nearly 3,000 it has accredited,’’ Dazang said.

He assured all candidates and political parties in the Edo governorship election of INEC’s neutrality.

“We assure all candidates and parties in the elections of INEC neutrality and impartiality and resolve to conduct a transparent election and a level playing field for all.