IPC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER LATE DEPLOYMENT OF INEC OFFICIALS IN ONITSHA

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The International Press Centre (IPC) has expressed concern over the late deployment of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to polling units in Onitsha, Anambra State, during Saturday’s governorship election.

Lanre Arogundade, representing the IPC, said the delay in deployment created tension and uncertainty among voters who had arrived early at their polling units.

“At 8:30 a.m., officials were just about to leave for polling units. This delay is worrisome,” Arogundade said.

He explained that while some INEC officials arrived at polling stations as early as 7:07 a.m., others did not get to their destinations until around 8:10 a.m.

“By 8:30 a.m., they had completed preparations, pasted voter registers, and were ready to start voting. However, such delays at the start of accreditation can create uncertainty among voters,” he added.

Arogundade also noted that some officials had to relocate from INEC offices due to inadequate facilities, which contributed to the slow deployment process.

He cautioned that malfunctioning Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices could undermine the credibility of the election if not promptly addressed.

Meanwhile, a Situation Room observer, Dimma Nwobi, alleged incidents of vote-buying in certain areas, prompting officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intensify monitoring across polling locations.

Residents also reported minor BVAS glitches as voting commenced, though no major incidents were recorded as of press time.