The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of voting in 141 polling units in Bayelsa State to Sunday. This decision was communicated by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the second leg of the situation report on the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections. Yakubu explained that the voting process was disrupted by thugs, prompting a reinforcement of security agencies. However, the National Youth Service Corps members assigned to those polling units expressed fear, leading to the postponement.
In Imo State, Yakubu reported that voting is ongoing, although it has faced disruptions in several polling units across seven Local Government Areas due to insecurity and thuggery. Additionally, he noted that elections in three Local Government Areas in Edo State have been postponed to March 11. This postponement was necessitated by an issue involving a party whose logo appeared on the results sheet but was absent from the ballot paper. Yakubu further revealed that thugs have stolen more Bimodal Voter Authentication Systems (BVAS), stating, “Unfortunately, we continue to lose some of the BVAS. I reported in the morning the loss of some devices. Unfortunately, we also lost three BVAS in Ayemelu in Anambra, but we have recovered them.”
Yakubu acknowledged various issues that arose during the commencement process in Abia, Imo, and Kebbi, among other locations. He expressed satisfaction that the voting process is ongoing in Abia, where polling units will remain open beyond the designated voting hour until the last person votes before 2:30 PM. In Imo, the process continues, except in a few polling units affected by insecurity and thuggery across seven Local Government Areas. The situation in Kebbi State is reported to be stable, with voting primarily taking place in Birin-Kebbi, which had previously been affected.
In Bayelsa State, particularly in the capital, voting was disrupted in four wards—Ward 4, 6, 8, and 14—encompassing 141 polling units. Although security was re-mobilized to facilitate the process, corps members expressed apprehension about returning. Consequently, INEC met with security agencies and decided that voting in these polling units, where all materials are intact, will take place tomorrow morning. Yakubu emphasized that the commission is not only conducting the presidential election but also elections for senatorial and federal constituencies, and they are committed to concluding the processes as efficiently as possible.
In Lagos, the situation in Okota, Mafoluku, Oshodi, and Elegushi has been closely monitored, with efforts made to normalize conditions in several areas. Voting is currently ongoing, and INEC will continue to oversee the processes in the mentioned locations. The Chairman added that in many polling units, voting has closed, and sorting and counting have commenced. Since the last briefing, proactive steps have been taken, including meetings with the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, aimed at strengthening security as the next stage of the process—collation of results—approaches.
Yakubu also addressed a situation in Edo State, where one party’s logo appeared on the results sheet but not on the ballot paper. Following discussions with stakeholders, it was decided to suspend the election for Esan North, South, and Iguebe. The ballot papers will be reprinted, and the election will now coincide with the state elections on March 11. The commission is determined to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised. Yakubu concluded by stating that they are responding to situations as they arise and will continue to do so overnight. The National Collation Centre will officially open at midday on Sunday.
Comments are closed for this story.