Insight #NigeriaDecides: Postponement, poor logistics dent Saturday elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the cancellation of elections in 141 polling units in Yenogoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

The electoral body blamed the decision on the disruption of the electoral process in the affected areas.

According to the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, the ad-hoc staff were afraid of going back to conduct the election, thus necessitating the postponement.

The postponement affects the presidential and National Assembly elections.

It was gathered that elections would hold on February 26 at 40 of the 141 polling units where the materials are intact.

In Edo State, the House of Representatives election in Esan North, Esan South, and Igueben was also postponed due to the omission of a party’s logo on ballot papers. The Edo state election is scheduled for March 11, alongside the governorship and state houses of assembly elections.

In another related development, voting was extended till late in the evening in some units, after the late arrival of INEC officials characterised most places in the country.

There have been widespread late arrival of INEC materials and observers across different polling units in the country, a development that has marred the process.

A voter who spoke to Dataphyte in Surulere area of Lagos lamented his inability to vote, citing disenfranchisement.

The INEC has admitted to the late arrival of its officials to conduct elections in the country, citing insecurity and logistical problems.