Edo Bye-Election: Governor Okpebholo Laments BVAS Malfunction, Urges INEC to Act

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has raised concerns over the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the ongoing bye-election in Edo Central Senatorial District.

The Governor, who emerged from this very district and whose former seat is now being contested, made the comments on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 2, Polling Unit 1, located in Udomi Primary School, Esan Central Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists shortly after voting, Okpebholo acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the election but expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the BVAS devices deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“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 reports I’m getting are good,” the Governor said.

Despite the technical glitches, he commended INEC for maintaining order and ensuring a calm atmosphere at the polls. He also urged voters across the senatorial district to actively participate and safeguard their votes.

“The process has been smooth here and the reports I am getting from other areas in the district are also smooth. INEC is doing well. I urge the voters to come out to vote and defend their votes,” he added.

The bye-election was necessitated by the vacancy created following Okpebholo’s emergence as Governor of Edo State.