Emmanuel OchayiThe Edo election, holding on Saturday, experienced delays due to heavy rainfall in certain parts of the state, particularly in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The affected areas included Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan Central Local Government Areas.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe downpour halted the timely delivery of election materials and officials to polling units, leaving many voters waiting in anticipation.
“I came out early to cast my vote, but the rain has disrupted everything,” said a voter in Irrua. “We are still waiting for the election officials to arrive so we can start the process.”
Delayed Arrival of Materials Affects Voting
While voting and registration were officially set to begin at 8:30 am, delays in the delivery of materials at several polling stations put the process on hold.
In Irrua and Ekpoma, voters stood by anxiously, hoping that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials would soon arrive to kick off the Edo election.
A voter in Ekpoma lamented, “We’ve been waiting since 7 am, but neither the officials nor the voting materials are here. The rain has caused so much delay.”
In Iyamoh Primary School, Ward 10 Polling Unit 1, located in Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA), voters also faced similar issues. As of 7:57 am, INEC officials were yet to arrive at the polling unit, where former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, was expected to cast his vote. However, security personnel were present at the polling station to maintain order.
READ ALSO: Edo Election: REC Assures Voters Of Electronic Transmission Of Results
Security Presence Amid Voting Delays
In addition to the rain-induced delays, security measures contributed to the slow start of the Edo election in some areas. In Ogbe Primary School, Ward 1, Oredo LGA, electoral officials had yet to be deployed as of 7:30 am, further holding up the process.
At the Ward 5 Registration Area Center located in Oliha Primary School, delays were also reported. Election materials and officials were yet to be transported, with security operatives causing additional delays by holding back officials for identity verification. Voters stood by patiently at their polling units, waiting for the process to begin.
“We understand the importance of security, but the delay is frustrating,” a party representative outside the Oliha Primary School said. “We need to get the materials out so the election can start.”
Voting Starts Slowly in Some Areas
Despite the challenges, voting eventually commenced in some parts of Edo State. In Ovia South East LGA, at Polling Unit 002, Registration Area 2, Iguobazuwa, voting began at 8:30 am. Other parts of the state also saw slow but steady starts, with accreditation and voting beginning as election officials arrived at polling units.
Meanwhile, in parts of Oredo LGA, such as Third Junction, vehicular movement was restricted by police to ensure that voters could safely access their polling units. Voters had to trek to their designated locations to participate in the Edo election.
Extending Voting Hours is a Possibility
INEC announced that if delays persisted, voting hours might be extended beyond the scheduled time. The electoral body emphasized that it was committed to ensuring all eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their votes despite the challenges.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” an INEC official said. “If delays continue, we will consider extending voting time to ensure no one is disenfranchised in this Edo election.”
As the day progressed, voters across the state hoped that the weather would clear and the election process would proceed without further disruptions. The Edo election, critical for the state’s governance, faced an early challenge, but voters remained determined to exercise their democratic rights.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
