Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Saturday expressed concerns regarding the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the ongoing by-election in the Edo Central Senatorial District.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Ward 2 Polling Unit 1 in Udomi Primary School, Esan Central Local Government, Governor Okpebholo acknowledged the peaceful nature of the exercise but highlighted the delays caused by the BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration,” the governor stated. “The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited. I think INEC needs to look into this.”
Despite his concerns about the BVAS performance, Governor Okpebholo commended INEC for ensuring a peaceful electoral process. He also urged voters within the senatorial district to actively participate in the election and to protect their votes.
“The process has been smooth here, and the reports I am getting from other areas in the district are also smooth,” Okpebholo noted. “INEC is doing well. I urge the voters to come out to vote and defend their votes.”
The by-election is being held to fill the senatorial seat left vacant following Okpebholo’s assumption of the governorship of Edo State.