ABUJA, Nigeria – A group called Odinmma Ndi Ebonyi has expressed concern over allegations of conspiracy and forgery of INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System) reports and compliance certificates related to the Presidential and National Assembly Election that took place on February 25, 2023, in Ebonyi South Senatorial District.
The group alleges that former Governor David Umahi is involved in the conspiracy, along with some staff members of INEC, with intentions to manipulate justice and undermine democracy.
During a press conference in Abuja, the group stated that this development is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law.
A statement on Thursday, June 22, 2023, signed by Moses Idika and Dr. Laz Ude Eze was read at the conference.
It highlighted the possibility of a secret group within INEC’s headquarters that specializes in forging BVAS reports and other documents for dishonest politicians, undermining the will of the Nigerian people.
Specifically, the group points out allegations against former Governor David Umahi Nweze for acquiring a forged BVAS report and compliance certificate from within INEC for malicious purposes.
The group is alarmed by accusations that INEC staff members, Nnenna A. Essien (Assistant Director-Data Management – INEC Headquarters) and Rakiya A. Na’uzo (Deputy Director, INEC), may have colluded with the former governor in this scheme.
The group believes that this issue is critical to Nigeria’s democracy and should not be ignored.
They expressed concern about the possibility of other politicians possessing similar forged documents and attempting to deceive the judiciary in various regions.
Odinmma Ndi Ebonyi is calling on the Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to form an investigative forensic team to look into these serious allegations.
They also urge the Chairman of INEC to cooperate openly with the police and the Nigerian public in investigating the matter for the sake of the Commission’s integrity and the progress of democracy.
Furthermore, the group is calling on courts handling election petitions, particularly in Ebonyi state, to exercise vigilance and not be manipulated by unethical politicians.
They also appeal to the media, civil society, and the general public to remain vigilant and to demand that justice prevails.
The statement concludes by emphasizing that an injury to one Nigerian is an injury to all Nigerians and calls for collective action to protect democracy and the rule of law.
