The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reaffirms its Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) are not scams.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Lawrence Bayode, made this clarification during a conversation organised by the commission on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Abuja.

In his presentation, titled “BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths,” Bayode said both BVAS and IREV were technological innovations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process.

He emphasised that INEC had taken bold steps and made concerted efforts to improve the credibility, transparency, and accuracy of elections through technology.

Bayode described BVAS and IREV as key components of Nigeria’s election process, noting that various misconceptions had created doubts about their functions.

“There is a belief that BVAS and IREV are scams.

“This misconception arises from misunderstandings, technical issues, and general distrust in the electoral process. However, this belief is incorrect,” he said.

“BVAS verifies voters using fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring that only accredited voters cast their ballots.

“IREV is an online portal that allows the public to view scanned polling unit results for transparency. It does not count votes or collate results.”

He dismissed the notion that technical failures, such as slow uploads, server downtimes, or network issues, equated to fraud.

“These challenges do not mean the system was designed to deceive voters. Rather, they highlight areas that need improvement in election management,” he explained.

Bayode further debunked the myth that BVAS transmitted election results, stressing that its primary role was voter accreditation and authentication.

“BVAS does not directly transmit election results. Instead, results are recorded on Form EC8A, which is then uploaded to IREV,” he stated.

“BVAS is used at polling units for voter accreditation. IREV is an online platform where scanned polling unit results are uploaded for public viewing.”

“BVAS significantly reduces voter impersonation and over-voting, other electoral malpractices, such as violence and vote-buying, can still occur,” he noted.

He also dispelled the myth that voting could not continue if BVAS failed, explaining that INEC provided backup devices, and in rare cases, elections in affected polling units might be rescheduled.

Bayode highlighted BVAS’ role in reducing electoral fraud, stating that voter impersonation and multiple voting had been significantly curbed since its introduction.

“IREV has also enhanced transparency by allowing citizens to verify polling unit results in real time.

“Before IREV, election results were not easily accessible to the public. Now, discrepancies can be identified, which proves the system enhances transparency rather than being a scam,” he said.

INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Victoria Eta-Messi, added that the commission was collaborating with the National Assembly and stakeholders to amend the Electoral Act, particularly on election results management.

She also reiterated INEC’s commitment to voter education to build public trust, reduce voter apathy, and promote credible elections.

(NAN)

Former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has refuted claims of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said he has no intention of joining the ruling APC.

Posting on X, he distanced himself from any involvement in an APC gathering.

Obi assured that he does not involve himself in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation.

According to Obi: “I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned.

“Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member. My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement.

“I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria.

“As for Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party.

“I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process. We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack.

“By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek.”

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala has hit back at former presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his remarks about democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to him, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) is a failed politician who does not have a history of democratic activism.

The presidential aide said this in an X post on Tuesday in reaction to Obi’s recent remark about the state of democracy under the Bola Tinubu presidency.

Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi said progress made since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has been eroded.

Responding, Bwala said, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy.

“Peter Obi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy?

“When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date.

“His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol. Talk Is cheap.”