Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, has called for an extension of voting hours following the late arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at various polling stations.
His plea mirrors the frustrations of voters and observers, who have noted delays in some parts of the state.
Experts in election administration have weighed in, stressing the importance of timely logistics for a credible electoral process.
Dr. Ibrahim Jibril, an election analyst, pointed out that such delays can significantly impact voter turnout.
“When officials and materials arrive late, it discourages people from waiting to vote, particularly in areas with security concerns,” Jibril explained, adding that extending voting hours is a reasonable solution to ensure no one is disenfranchised.
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INEC has been criticized in previous elections for similar delays, such as those in Kogi State, raising concerns about their logistical readiness.
Ighodalo’s demand seeks to mitigate the risk of reduced voter participation, especially in an election as pivotal as this one, with 17 candidates competing for the governorship.
Another expert, Prof. Adebayo Olatunji, emphasized that these operational setbacks could affect the overall credibility of the results if left unaddressed.
As voting continues, stakeholders are urging INEC to act swiftly, with many agreeing that extending voting hours would restore some balance to the disrupted process.