Despite delays in the arrival of election materials, residents of Edo Central Senatorial District, including Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan Central LGAs, have turned out in large numbers to cast their votes.
At Unit 9, Boot 9 Dumontan polling unit in Irrua, Esan LGA, voting began at around 9:20 am, with voters participating in an orderly fashion under the guidance of INEC ad hoc staff.
Both the elderly and the youth were observed adhering to the instructions of the security officers on duty.
However, at some polling units, there were reports of irregularities.
At one location, a middle-aged man was seen distributing money to voters after enquiring about their preferred candidates, sparking concerns over possible vote buying.
At the Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Ward 013, Oturuwo Unit 1, the situation was less orderly, as INEC officials struggled to control the agitated crowd.
Some voters expressed frustration over the presence of two representatives from a specific political party (name withheld), while other parties only had one representative.
This perceived imbalance led to protests and an unruly atmosphere, with security personnel and election staff working to maintain calm.
Additionally, food items were being distributed at polling booths, raising further concerns about voter inducement.
Despite these challenges, the BVAS machines were functioning smoothly across the polling units visited, and the voting process proceeded without significant technical issues.
The restriction of movement order was also strictly enforced by security operatives, who allowed only residents with voter cards access to the roads leading to their polling stations.
The election process continues as residents remain determined to cast their votes despite the hiccups.
