Edo By-election: Gov Okpebholo Votes, Faults Slow BVAS Process

Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday cast his vote in the Edo Central Senatorial By-election.

Governor Okpebholo however, expressed concerns over the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at his voting unit.

The governor arrived at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central local government area at about 9:45 a.m. where he was accredited before casting his vote at exactly 9:52 a.m.

Speaking with journalists shortly after, Okpebholo noted that although the exercise was peaceful, BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were causing delays.

According to him, “Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration. The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited. I think INEC needs to look into this. So far, so good, the feelers I’m getting are good.”

For his part, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa commended the turnout of voters for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.

Idahosa voted on Saturday at Unit 3, Old Education Board, Iguobazuwa West Ward, Ovia South West local government area.

He described the process as seamless, peaceful and encouraging.

“So far, everything is going well. We are expecting free, fair and credible elections. Ovia people will be happy with the outcome. The turnout is impressive. More voters should come out and vote and shun violence,” the deputy governor said.

In Okada West Ward Unit 1,4 and 6, voters were seen on the queue waiting to cast their votes.

Earlier in the day, reports from polling units across Irrua and Uromi indicated that accreditation commenced around 8 a.m. with voters turning out early.

At Eguare Primary School, Irrua, a voter, Mr. Frank Obehi, voted at exactly 8:37 a.m. and described the process as smooth and peaceful.
The Edo Central Senatorial by-election was to fill the vacant senatorial seat following the emergence of Okpebholo ad Edo State governor.