Tensions Rise as Edo Central Polling Units Witness Delays, Unrest

Despite initial delays in the arrival of election materials, voters in Edo Central Senatorial District, covering Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan Central LGAs, have begun casting their votes.

At Unit 9, Booth 9 in Dumontan, Irrua, Esan LGA, voting started at around 9:20 AM. Voters, including the elderly and youth, were seen adhering to the instructions given by INEC ad hoc staff, while security personnel maintained order at the polling station.

However, a middle-aged man was spotted discreetly distributing money to voters after asking them who they had voted for.

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In contrast, at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Ward 013, Oturuwo Unit 1, the situation was less orderly. INEC officials struggled to control the crowd, as some voters expressed frustration over a particular political party (name withheld) having two representatives at the booth, while others had only one.

This led to unrest, with voters protesting, and security operatives working to manage the situation.

At some polling booths, food items were distributed among voters, contributing to the growing tension.

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Despite the disruptions, the BVAS machines functioned smoothly, and the voting process proceeded, though marred by sporadic outbursts over perceived favoritism toward the political party with extra representatives.

The restriction of movement was strictly enforced, with security personnel ensuring that only residents with voter cards were allowed on the roads leading to the polling units.