The council election polls in Edo State were marred by several challenges, including protests, voter apathy, and delays in the arrival of materials. Despite assurances from the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), logistical issues plagued the election, causing frustration among voters and candidates.
In many polling units across the state, voters had to wait for hours to cast their votes, while some were unlucky as polling officers failed to show up. The shortage of result sheets and stamps at the Oredo local government distribution office on Sapele Road contributed to the delay in material distribution.
In areas like Ozigbo and Konkord roads, polling officers were notably absent, leaving voters without the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. Similar situations occurred at Adesua Girls Grammar School, where voters waited in vain for election officers to arrive.
Egor Ward II (Egor Primary School) faced restrictions on entry, with only those aligned with the ruling party allowed access. This was where the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Odion Olaye, cast his vote.
Meanwhile, at Emokpai Primary School, where Governor Godwin Obaseki voted, voter turnout was relatively low, as many residents only gathered to witness the governor’s vote.
In contrast, Edo North, particularly Akoko-Edo local government area, saw early arrival of election materials and smooth voting processes, starting as early as 8 am.
Members of the Labour Party staged a protest at the Nigeria Union of Journalists premises in Benin, expressing their dissatisfaction with the election’s conduct. The LP chairmanship candidate for Oredo Local Government called for the cancellation of the exercise, citing irregularities and a delayed start.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, who voted in his polling unit at Emokpae Primary School, commended the exercise and expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would perform well, as they had conducted extensive mobilization efforts.
However, the state chairman of the APC, Col. David Imuse (retd.), denounced the election as a scam and charade, citing issues like insufficient ballot papers and a lack of result sheets in various districts, particularly in the Edo Central senatorial district.
Overall, the council election in Edo State was marred by logistical challenges and protests, raising concerns about the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.