Asue Ighodalo, a gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State election, has criticized the late arrival of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at various polling units, calling for an extension of voting hours to compensate for the delay.
Ighodalo’s concerns echo those of voters and observers who have reported late arrivals of INEC officials and materials in some parts of the state. This development has raised concerns about the potential impact on voter turnout and the overall smooth conduct of the election.
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The late arrival of INEC officials has been a recurring issue in Nigerian elections, with previous instances reported in Kogi and other states. Ighodalo’s request for an extension of voting hours seeks to ensure that all eligible voters have a fair opportunity to cast their ballots.
The Edo governorship election is a closely watched contest, with 17 candidates vying for the top spot.