Governor Monday Okpebholo cast his vote at approximately 9:52 a.m. after being accredited at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State during the ongoing Edo Central Senatorial by-election.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Okpebholo expressed concern over the sluggish performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While describing the election process as peaceful, he noted that the slow BIVAS machines were causing avoidable delays at the polling units.
“Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration. The BIVAS 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 feedback I’m receiving is positive,” he said.
Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, also cast her ballot at the same polling unit. She praised INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election and encouraged voters to participate actively and safeguard their votes.
“This is my village, Udomi. So far, so good. The process has been smooth, and people are turning out to vote. This by-election is to fill the seat vacated by Governor Okpebholo. Everything is progressing well.
The agents are present, INEC is doing well, and I urge voters to vote responsibly and remain vigilant to defend their votes as we practice democracy,” she said.
Earlier in the day, reports from polling units across Irrua and Uromi indicated that accreditation began around 8 a.m., with voters arriving early and showing enthusiasm to participate.
The Edo Central Senatorial by-election is being held to fill the vacant senatorial seat following Governor Okpebholo’s emergence as the governor of Edo State.
