Heavy downpour disrupts Edo governorship election, delays INEC operations

The Edo Central governorship election encountered major disruptions on Saturday due to relentless rainfall, which hindered the timely distribution of electoral materials across numerous polling units.

By 7:50 a.m., critical areas like Irrua and Ekpoma were yet to see the arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials or voting materials, leaving many voters in limbo. Eager citizens who turned up early despite the weather expressed growing frustration.

“We’ve been here since morning, but with no INEC officials in sight, it’s starting to feel like the election won’t happen today,” one disillusioned voter at the Ogboji polling unit remarked.

The downpour, combined with stringent movement restrictions enforced by security operatives, kept large numbers of residents indoors, significantly reducing voter turnout in key parts of Edo Central.

Adding to the chaos, reports from some ad hoc staff indicated payment-related issues, further compounding the delay and sowing uncertainty around the election process.

As the heavy rain persisted, concerns grew over how the election would proceed in the face of these logistical setbacks, raising questions about voter participation and the overall credibility of the process in this pivotal region.