By Abubakar Yunusa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended voting time for the Edo governorship election in areas where the process commenced late.
A statement by National Commissioner & Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said its monitoring had indicated that although there were early commencement of polls in many polling units, there were also reports of late commencement in some locations.
“The Commission continues to monitor the ongoing governorship election in Edo State from our situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja,” the statement read.
“Our monitoring indicates early commencement of polls in many polling units, but there are also reports of late commencement in some locations.
“To ensure that no voter is disenfranchised, the Commission wishes to reiterate that, in line with our Regulations and Guidelines, voting will be extended wherever it commenced late and will continue until the last voter in the queue who arrived at the polling unit by 2.30 pm has voted.
“Accordingly, we have drawn the attention of our office in Edo State to ensure that, where necessary, there is adequate power supply from our backup electric generators in the affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centres.”
The announcement comes after Channels Television reported the late arrival of INEC officials at some polling units including that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo.