Tension has mounted at Azama Primary School in Uzairue, Etsako West LGA, Edo State, as voters, including the impeached deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, were left stranded due to malfunctioning BIVAS machines at Unit 5, Ward 11 voting center. The malfunction has raised significant concerns about the electoral process and the ability of registered voters to participate in the gubernatorial election.
Despite the issues at Unit 5, voting continued smoothly in units 3, 4, and 6 at Azama Primary School by 8:30 am. These units displayed notable organization, bolstered by a strong security presence that helped maintain order and assist voters during the process.
Comrade Shaibu, while addressing reporters about the BIVAS malfunction, expressed his concerns, warning that it could prevent more than 2,000 registered voters from casting their ballots. His statement underscored the potential disenfranchisement that could occur if the issues with the voting technology are not resolved swiftly.
Some of the voters, visibly angry and frustrated, spoke with newsmen, expressing their disappointment with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the non-working BIVAS machines. Their sentiments reflected a broader dissatisfaction with the electoral management and the complications arising from technological failures on such a crucial day.
In related news, former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomole, has categorically denied accusations that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has amassed funds to purchase votes in the ongoing gubernatorial election. This denial came amid the swirling tensions and allegations surrounding the electoral process.
In a statement made on Saturday after casting his vote at Iyamho, Ward 10 Unit 01 in Etsako West Local Government Area, Oshiomole described the allegations as laughable, asserting that they lacked any basis in fact. He further noted that he has not received any reports of violence from anywhere across the state during the election, indicating a relatively peaceful atmosphere despite the issues reported at some polling stations.