Kogi guber poll: SDP’s Ajaka apologises to INEC over BVAS manipulation claim

Muritala Ajaka, Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Kogi, says he has confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible election in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Faruk Adejoh-Audu, his campaign spokesperson, Ajaka apologised over an allegation he made that some INEC staff members were reconfiguring the bimodal voters accreditation system (BVAS) devices to manipulate the November 11 governorship polls.

But the electoral body had denied the allegation, describing the claim as false.

Adejoh-Audu said the SDP candidate issued the apology in a meeting with party stakeholders in Abuja earlier in the day.

Ajaka said he has confidence in INEC and trusts it to organise a free, fair and credible election.

“All our supporters should disregard any alarm of crooks reconfiguring BVAS devices.  It’s just not possible. We have total confidence in the ability of INEC to secure our votes,” Ajaka was quoted as saying.

Ajaka said he and the party leadership have examined the measures against electoral fraud introduced by the commission and are satisfied that the votes of the electorate will ultimately prevail.