Edo State Governor Updates: Early setbacks as rains delay arrival of election materials in key areas

• Heavy rains in the Edo Central Senatorial District on September 21 resulted in significant delays in the arrival and distribution of election materials in five local government areas.
• Voters waited impatiently for the arrival of INEC officials and materials amid the persistent rain
• Logistical challenges, including delayed payments to ad hoc staff, further complicated the electoral process in the affected areas

The Edo State governorship election suffered setbacks early on as heavy rains which began in the early hours of Saturday, September 21, caused significant delays in the arrival and distribution of election materials in several parts of the Edo Central Senatorial District.

The affected areas include five local government areas: Esan Southeast, Igueben, Esan Northeast, Esan West and Esan Central.

High stakes in the battle for Edo Central

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The Edo Central Senatorial District is likely to be a decisive battleground in this election as both the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates hail from this region.

The delay in the arrival of electoral materials has increased tensions as voters in the region wait impatiently for the opportunity to cast their ballots, The Punch reported.

Polling stations remain empty despite rain

By 7:50 a.m., voting materials and poll workers had not arrived at most polling stations in the district, leaving many residents unable to leave their homes due to persistent rain.

Reports from polling stations near Ogboji area in Irrua and Alli Square in Ekpoma indicated that only a handful of voters were present, waiting impatiently for the arrival of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The lack of materials and officials has left many doubtful as to whether the election will take place as planned, Vanguard reported.

Concerns about logistics and payment of ad hoc staff

As it turned out, some ad hoc officials had not yet been paid, causing further delays, while others confirmed that they had received their salaries.

The delay in payments as well as adverse weather conditions exacerbated the logistical challenges and led to a further delay in the start of voting in the affected areas.

Strict adherence to movement restrictions

Despite the delays, the curfew was strictly enforced by security forces, who ensured that only residents with voting IDs were allowed to enter the streets to their respective polling stations.

The strong police presence should ensure order despite the ongoing logistical challenges.

Source: Legit.ng