US-based medical doctor Adah Obekpa and his company, Renaissance Network Africa (RNA), have sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the federal government of Nigeria for N77billion.
They alleged that as the originators of the BIVAS used during the general elections, the defendants had not given them the due recognition.
Media reports say that in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/391/2023 before the Abuja federal high court, the plaintiffs are also seeking an order directing the defendants to pay N500 million as damages for allegedly using their idea without giving credit.
Obekpa claimed that in 2010 himself and his company conceived the I-voting system that will ensure free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
He said then met and discussed the proposal with the former INEC chairman, Atahiru Jega, adding that it was their proposal that has now been christened as BVAS and IREV.
The plaintiffs are praying to the court for a declaration that the I-voting proposal is the same as the BVAS and IREV, and for the federal government to publicly recognize and acknowledge the plaintiffs and their team who were involved in the preparation and design of the I-voting proposal to the INEC since 2010.
Writing by Annabel Nwachukwu