Voters warn of disenfranchisement as INEC delays stall voting in Ighodalo’s ward

Eligible voters in Ewohimi, particularly in Okaegben Ward One, polling units 3 and 15, were yet to cast their votes as of 10:30 a.m. in the ongoing Edo governorship election.

This area is significant as it includes the polling unit of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, where he is expected to vote.

The absence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials has raised concerns among voters about the smooth conduct of the election.

Voters in the affected areas voiced frustration over the delay, fearing it might undermine the voting process. Christopher Adoghe, a voter at polling unit 3, expressed his dismay: “It’s past 10 a.m., and we have yet to see any INEC officials or materials.

READ ALSO: Experts support Ighodalo’s call for voting extension amid INEC delays in Edo

The same issue is happening in unit 15—no officials, no materials.” He added that most polling units in Ewohimi are facing similar delays, leaving many voters, including the elderly, waiting in the rain.

Experts have weighed in on the situation, warning that such delays could lead to disenfranchisement. Dr. Musa Okoye, a political analyst, pointed out that logistical failures like these can have serious consequences on voter turnout and election credibility.

“INEC must be proactive in ensuring timely delivery of materials. Delays in areas like Ewohimi, where a key candidate is voting, could raise unnecessary suspicions of bias or inefficiency,” Okoye said.

Pa Monday Victor, an elderly voter also waiting in the rain, called on INEC’s chairman to urgently address the situation by dispatching officials to the affected polling stations.

According to Prof. Aisha Suleiman, an election monitoring expert, delays in areas with high voter turnout potential may have a disproportionate effect on the outcome. “Every minute lost to delays lowers participation, especially in rural or weather-affected regions,” Suleiman emphasized.

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As the day unfolds, calls for immediate action grow louder, with experts warning that failure to address these issues could lead to a contested election outcome.