The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Sunday called on all stakeholders involved in the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State to ensure the exercise is credible, free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.
In his welcome address at the 2nd Plenary meeting of the group in Auchi, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji emphasized the importance of a credible election for producing responsible leadership.
“As Edo State prepares to go to the polls, we pray for a free, fair, and credible election,” Ugorji stated.
“We urge all candidates to shun violence and electoral malpractice. May the votes of the electorate be respected, and may the electoral umpires remain non-partisan.”
Meanwhile, the group Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TEGA) has raised concerns, alleging that some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State are involved in selling uncollected Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to politicians.
TEGA called on INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to investigate the matter.
In a petition titled “Petition Against Compromising Electoral Officers (EOs) in Edo State Over Sale of Bulk PVCs,” State Coordinator Dr. Philip Edosa-Amadasun accused electoral officers in several local governments, including Esan Central, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, and Egor, of complicity in the illegal sale of PVCs.
The petition warned that the integrity of the election could be compromised if these activities are not addressed.
TEGA also highlighted reports that INEC officials in Edo State have been meeting with PDP leaders, leading to allegations that members of the public, including supporters of the APC and Labour Party, are being denied their PVCs.
The group urged INEC’s chairman to take personal responsibility for overseeing the distribution of PVCs in the state.
