The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has endorsed a petition urging it to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Edo governorship elections.

The petition Initiated by the TAP Initiative, signed by its Executive Director, Martin Obono and received by the commission on Tuesday in Abuja is also calling on the commission to the invite the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for questioning over authorization of the printing of two different result sheets for the election.

According to Tap Initiative, the petition is submitted under Section 26 of the 1CPC Act, 2000, which makes it an offense for any public officer to corruptly confer any advantage upon themselves or any other person through their position.

It alleged that the recent Edo State governorship elections were marred by significant irregularities, some of which were perpetrated by all political parties without exception.

?On election day, we accessed results from the INEC Result Viewer (IReV), which houses election results uploaded directly from polling units across the state,? Obono said.

?The results obtained from the IReV portal corresponded with those collected by election observers at the polling units, bearing the signatures of Polling Unit Agents and Presiding Officers.

?However, after voting concluded, INEC announced results that differed from the original data obtained from the IReV. A comparison between the result sheets from IReV and the Certified True Copies issued by INEC revealed discrepancies.

?Although the serial numbers, polling units, and wards matched, the results differed. In some cases, the number of registered voters was altered, and the signatures of the Presiding Officers were forged, with the signatures of Polling Unit Agents either absent or also forged .

?Additionally, a forensic examination conducted by a South African graphologist confirmed that the Certified True Copies issued by INEC were predominantly authored by a single individual.

?Annexure 4 of this petition details specific discrepancies and lists the names of the inyolved INEC Presiding 0fficers.

?Others to be investigated include the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for authorizing the printing of two different result sheets, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State for overseeing these fraudulent elections, and the INEC legal officer in Benin who issued the Certified True Copies.

?What transpired in Edo State constitutes a heist orchestrated by an institution that should serve as a guardian of our democratic process. If this institution is compromised, the very foundation of our democracy is at risk.

?We hereby request that the ICPC, in line with its mandate under Section 6(b) of the ICPC Act, 2000, conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations.

?Our organization and its partners are prepared to provide further information and evidence to assist your investigation. We trust that the ICPC will respond decisively to this critical matter and help protect our democracy.? (The Guardian)

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